MANILA, Philippines – Rachel Anne Daquis, who remains one of the most popular volleyball players in the Philippines, will have her iconic No. 3 jersey retired by Far Eastern University (FEU), the school announced Tuesday.
Daquis, one of the first volleyball players to achieve nationwide popularity, helped the Lady Tamaraws win the UAAP championship in Season 70. Since then, she has played a big role in raising the profile of her sport.
FEU athletic director Mark Molina hailed Daquis as "the first superstar in UAAP women's volleyball," when the sport entered the mainstream, thanks in part to TV coverage.
"She actually became a bigger star after her time as a student-athlete, because she continues to excel in commercial leagues, and captained several national teams, while also having a good career in modeling," Molina said.
"For all her accomplishment, Rachel remains humble and driven, just like when she first arrived in FEU to try out for a spot in the team," he added.
In a tweet, Molina also said that Daquis remains "the face of FEU volleyball."
Happy for @rachdaquis03 Her contributions to FEU and Phil volleyball are immeasurable. To this day still the face of FEU volleyball #3 pic.twitter.com/JiYPxVSAWc
— Mark Molina (@marqmolina) November 15, 2016
Daquis, who currently plays for RC Cola-Army in the Philippine Superliga, becomes only the third FEU athlete to have her jersey retired, after basketball stars Johnny Abarrientos (No. 14) and Arwind Santos (No. 19).
She is also only the second volleyball player to get the honor, after De La Salle University's Manilla Santos, whose No. 14 jersey also hangs at the rafters of the Enrique M. Razon Sports Center.
Daquis' jersey retirement ceremony will be held during the UAAP Season 79 volleyball tournament, which starts early next year.
(For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.)
0 comments :
Post a Comment