I never thought I would be writing a newspaper column. But part of the training of athletes is to accept challenges, so here is my first for Mika’s Block.

To say that I was surprised by the Daily Tribune offer to write is an understatement. I was shocked and a bit afraid, really!

It took me time to say yes. Writing this first column brought me back to memories built on 24 years fun, struggles, friendships and lots of competitive games.

A lot of events, many of them unexpected, have happened in my life in all those years. Writing a sports column in the Daily Tribune is among those surprises in my life.

I will not be writing about serious topics, or maybe not always. But I hope to inspire the youth to take up a hobby, a sport and chase their dreams. I was once like them – a dreamer.

I could see determined young people starting early. There are various sports clinics offering them the doors to their dreams. Supportive parents are the keys to their success. I could say that because I have very supportive parents behind me, even if I was not a natural athlete.

I was once in a church choir with my cousin. My mom also used to be part of it before. It was natural for me to join.

I could not say music liked me, but I always like music.

Sports, however, came naturally for me because of my height. From a tranquil town in Bulacan, sports chased me the moment I set foot as a high school freshman at St. Scholastica’s College in Manila.

I was first drawn by friends and coaches to try-out for basketball.

But there are some volleyball players who were my seniors who persuaded me to try-out for volleyball than basketball.

I hope to take this new facet in my young career as a challenge, too.

But like the sport I took, there’s always an opportunity to learn something from the challenges that come our way.

Writing gives me jitters. I faced a lot of them on the court and I am feeling it right now as I write this.

But as we athletes always say: “Bring ‘em on!”

Mika Reyes is a star middle blocker for Petron in the Philippine Superliga. She won three UAAP titles for De La Salle University and was named Miss Volleyball of the Philippine Sportswriters Association, PSL ambassadress and La Sallian Sports Achievement Awardee. She also skippered the Philippine women’s volleyball team in the 29th Southeast Asian Games last year.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.