As the dust settles on the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament, questions swirl around the future of University of Santo Tomas (UST) captain Detdet Pepito.

After nine years of donning the gold and white — from being a high school standout to seniors’ team libero — Pepito may have just played her final game as a Golden Tigress.

“We’ll see,” the two-time UAAP Best Libero said.

Pepito has been one of UST’s steadiest forces on the court. But even before their Final Four exit at the hands of De La Salle University – 25-22, 11-25, 25-21, 25-21 – on 3 May, her name had already been floated as a top candidate to make the leap to the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).

Now in her fourth year as an elementary education major, Pepito is shifting her attention away from volleyball — at least for the moment.

“Right now, my priority is academics and our on-the-job training because we still need to complete the required hours,” she shared.

Pepito boasts a decorated career that includes a seniors’ finals appearance in Season 86 and a stellar high school run with three silvers and two bronzes. But beyond the accolades, it’s the life lessons she values most.

“The biggest thing I learned from UST is to be humble and grateful for everything we receive,” she said.

Known for her grit and tenacity, Pepito openly admitted to being a rebellious student-athlete back in high school. But the UST system, she said, never gave up on her.

“I was really stubborn during high school. There were times I wanted to give up, but UST helped me push through those moments,” she said.

“Because of UST, I am where I am now.”