De La Salle University’s Angel Canino against National University in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball Finals. UAAP Media.MANILA — De La Salle University’s latest championship further cemented the Lady Spikers’ legacy in UAAP women’s volleyball, but it was especially meaningful for senior star Angel Canino.
Following the Taft-based squad’s loss to National University in UAAP Season 87, Canino revealed she had considered forgoing her remaining collegiate years after receiving overseas offers.
READ: La Salle completes Season 88 sweep, dominates NU to reclaim UAAP crown
“Honestly speaking po talaga, there were offers po internationally,” revealed Canino during La Salle’s sit-down interview with Rico Hizon on ANC. “Kaya napa-dalawang isip po ako last year.”
Canino could have followed the path of former NU stars Alyssa Solomon and Bella Belen, who opted to leave the collegiate ranks to play in Japan and the Premier Volleyball League, respectively, after the Season 87 Finals.
However, what ultimately convinced the Alas Pilipinas standout to stay was the promise she made to La Salle head coach Ramil de Jesus during her rookie year.
“When I went back after the Southeast Asian Games [last December], naramdaman ko po talaga na I really love La Salle. I also asked my Ates, and binigay nila yung advice nila sa akin. I was thinking about it, may offer sa labas, pero I made a promise that I will stay for five years,” shared Canino.
The 23-year-old, along with her fellow seniors, is now set to return for her final season in Season 89 in 2027. For Canino, the same reason that drove her decision to stay despite the offers remains the one fueling her final run.
READ: La Salle’s Season 88 title run embodies what it means to be a Lady Spiker, says Canino
“Mahal na mahal ko po yung La Salle, and mas lalo pa po akong napamahal dahil dito sa Season 88 na sisterhood namin,” she said. “And napa-stay din ako dahil sa Lasallian community.”
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