Beyond The Game: The Student-Athlete Life

Written by Amanda Martinez

Contributions of Jada Ongkingco and Anthony Bugay

Our Manresan athletes have one of the most dedicated, determined, and disciplined mindsets when it comes to their passion for sports. Their precision and focus to get to the end goal, to get that winning point, and to step onto the podium. Truly, our athletes have pushed themselves to their full potential for sports competitions and tournaments and their endeavors to balance athletic life with their academic life. 

Coming home after an afternoon’s worth of practice, catching up on pending deadlines, and rising early in the mornings for training are already finish lines they’ve won. Taking on new courses, activities, and extracurricular opportunities that perceive their talents and skills, our Senior High School athletes have experienced a new outlook on their athletic life, with some even needing to leave their teams due to age limits or heavier priorities. Does this affect our students whose dreams are to succeed outside the bubble of academics?

Time management is something many have struggled to maintain. Students hear it all the time, that time for family, friends, academics, and personal life need to be balanced. We have so much time to think of and too little time to do it in–or so we thought. How come I’ve only arrived from school and I somehow only have five minutes until I get ready for bed? How come I’ve just started reviewing for my exams but I already feel like the ticking timer is counting down on me? Can everything slow down for a second?

The buzzer hasn’t started yet but we’re already looking at the finish lines.

Our athletes have not only thought of the concept of time management but used it in multiple ways. The balance between studying first or training harder to get that rewarding achievement is a continuous conflict that student-athletes have gone between, leaving our athletes to find themselves stuck in the middle of their responsibilities. 

Let’s look into the insights of two of our student-athletes who competed for  PSAP Palaro.“How was your overall experience in PSAP Palaro?”

“My experience in PSAP was truly fulfilling! It was a day where I finally got to showcase my hard work and do what I’m passionate about. I had the opportunity to connect with new people, including my coaches and competitors, and really felt the spirit of true sportsmanship—everyone there shared the same goal: to give their best and finish each event with no regrets. Although my body started to feel the strain from event after event, the relief and sense of accomplishment afterward was incredibly rewarding. At that moment, I just wanted to give myself a pat on the back and thank myself for not giving up.”

Said Jada Ongkingco, a Track and Field athlete and a four-time gold medalist from PSAP Palaro.

“Representing your school is a big deal for athletes like me. Yep, I only got bronze, but with that experience, you will now challenge yourself to do better next time, which makes it a lot more fun. My experience in PSAP was fun, meeting new friends, having close games, and a lot more. Having close games was the best experience for me. It gives you more pressure, that one mistake can cost you a game. But with your teammates and coaches cheering for you, it makes your experience in the game more joyful and fulfilling. So win or lose, you know that your teammates and coaches support you until the end. That is why it was a fun experience for me.”

Said Anthony Bugay, a Badminton athlete and bronze medalist from PSAP Palaro.

With or without difficulties, our athletes still hold the same discipline and determination for their work and efforts, and it’s evident. Choosing their priorities and maximizing their time, acknowledging what’s in front of them and embracing the difficulty that makes it all worth it in the end, and working equally hard to achieve their goals and dreams from the classroom to the field gives them the title of being a role model to those who dream the same way.  These are not only characteristics but also one of the most plausible skills and attributes that already puts them in the winning step. 

Just like what Jada Ongkingco said, “Loving what you are doing doesn’t just care about the outcome but also the journey.” 

Many look up to our athletes, rooting and cheering them on as they score that last winning shot, kick the ball into the goal, and run past the finish line. It’s truly an inspiration on how hardworking they are, and what they are willing to do to be the best version of themselves. Their games may have not started yet, but they’re already the winners in so many eyes.