Syd Niegos is still in disbelief that she has been named the new captain of Jose Rizal University ahead of their campaign in the NCAA Season 98 women's volleyball tournament which unfurls this February 18.
The 22-year-old middle blocker shared it still amazes her to see her growth at JRU, one of a couple of schools that accepted her when she had nothing but passion for the sport.
"Parang dalawang taon pa lang tapos dahil sa pandemic, hindi ko napansin na ako na 'yung aasahan ng team," Niegos shared to GMA Integrated News in an interview.
"Parang 'di pa rin ako makapaniwala kasi ang bilis. Parang dati wala pa akong mahanap na school e."
("It's only been two years and because of the pandemic, I didn't notice that I'm the one the team is relying on now... I still can't believe it because of how fast it's been. It wasn't long ago when I couldn't find a school.")
Niegos was playing both volleyball and basketball in her high school days but eventually made the former her main focus. In the summer ahead of Grade 12 in 2017, Niegos tried out for various schools in hopes to secure a scholarship.
She tried out at National University, both for basketball and volleyball, then at San Sebastian and Far Eastern University. One of her friends also invited her to try applying at JRU, which quickly accepted her.
She would also later get a call from FEU to inform her that she was accepted, but she chose to play for JRU, which she said has been her second home.
"Pag-uwi ko, tinanggap na nila ako tapos biglang tumawag din 'yung FEU na kinuha na rin nila ako. Eh nakapagpasa na ako ng requirements sa JRU no'n," Niegos added.
"Ayun, inalagaan naman nila ako. Senior high school pa lang tinanggap na nila ako, binigyan ako ng dorm, scholarship din."
("When I got home, they already accepted me and then FEU also called to tell me they wanted to get me. But I had already passed requirements in for JRU at the time... They've taken care of me. They already accepted me when I was in Senior high school, they gave me a dorm and a scholarship, too.")
With her set to steer the ship for the Lady Bombers, Niegos said her personal goal is to keep the team as a contender in the league.
"Ang goal ko is hindi dapat matanggal ang JRU sa Final Four. 'Yun 'yung personal goal ko."
("My goal is to keep JRU in the Final Four. That's my personal goal.")
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
