Four women in Philippine sports and New Zealand Ambassador in Manila Peter Kell coached University of the Philippines athletes on how sports build the totality of a person.

Sharing their insights on the theme—“Sport: A Platform for Tremendous Possibilities”—Gretchen Ho, a former volleyball player, said sports taught her how to prioritize things.

Hinting on her days, choosing between finishing college as a varsity player and her relationship to a matinee showbiz idol, Ho said sports “coaches [go as far as] also regulating athletes’ personal lives.”

Rizza Diaz, who is now a sports broadcaster, narrated that it took her 10 years “to build and prove” herself that she is also qualified to do the job being a courtside reporter of college basketball leagues: “When you are passionate, ‘di mo susukuan.”

For Diaz, her next challenge is to be a sports news anchor in professional basketball games.

Paula Erica Reyes, who is also now a courtside reporter who rose from her baseball career, said sport “built up confidence” in her: “Women have special powers.”

Eloisa Hernandez, who is a UP kinetic professor, said sports bring up the best in all UP athletes:

“Walang talo. You would earn respect.”

Kell, for his part, shared that sports are always “mind over matter”, as it will train one physically and mentally: “Sports defines who you will be, [a value] you can use in [your] lifetime.”

Kell was once a national coach in New Zealand.