Three-time UAAP Most Valuable Player (MVP) and champion Bella Belen of National University. Photo by Rom Anzures, ABS-CBN News.MANILA — National University star Bella Belen will be exiting the UAAP with a nearly unmatched collegiate career.
After the Lady Bulldogs swept De La Salle University in the Season 87 women’s volleyball Finals, the 5-foot-8 star has in her belt three league MVPs and three championships among her other feats in the amateur ranks.
“Hindi ko po ma-explain yung feeling,” reflected the Season 84 rookie-MVP shortly after their victory. “Halong lungkot, saya, excited, parang lahat na.”
En route to clinching this year’s championship, Belen and company had an almost perfect record in the elimination round.
While they lost once to the University of the Philippines and Adamson University in the elimination round, they were victorious against all other squads -- including Final 4 foe Far Eastern University and Finals rival De La Salle University.
However, as successful as the Lady Bulldogs were throughout the year, it was not as easy as it looked, said Belen.
“Hindi siya naging madali,” said Belen, who finished with 18 points, 11 digs, and eight receptions in Game 2. “Maraming beses naming kinwestyon kung tama ba yung ginagawa namin, pero sa pagti-tiyaga namin, na kamit namin yung goal namin.”
Aside from the on-court challenges that they faced, the psychology student also hurdled through her studies to complete her undergraduate degree which she recently completed last Friday.
And with the accomplishments and blessings that have been showering her throughout her stay in Jhocson Street, Belen couldn't be more grateful.
“Nakita ko kung paano ako nag grow as a person,” said Belen. “Malaki yung naturo sa akin ng UAAP ‘di lang sa paglalaro pero as a person talaga, kaya hindi ko makakalimutan yung apat na taon ko sa UAAP.”
While her impressive resume will surely live long in the UAAP record books, Belen insists that anyone can mirror what she has achieved.
“Walang imposible,” she emphasized. “Lahat kayang pagtrabahuhan at pagtiyagaan, kasi hindi naman lahat ng atleta pinanganak ng magaling. Kailangan lang talagang magsumikap at magtiwala sa sarili.”
And much like how she has left her legacy in National U, Belen also hopes to have inspired those who will come after her.
“Hindi ako binigo ng hard work ko,” Belen said. “At isa na rin yung career ko na maipapakita sa younger generation na walang imposible.”
RELATED VIDEO: