8 May 2019
By Angelli Ojastro
As the Far Eastern University, Lady Tamaraws clinched their way into the semi-finals of the UAAP season 81 women’s volleyball tournament, a rookie seems to be standing out from the rest. From the 2018 Philippine Volleyball League (PVL) and now in the UAAP season; it is undeniably true that Coach George Pacua got himself a force to be reckoned with to get that title.
It’s obvious who we are talking about. Yes! You got that right, it’s the Sampaloc-based school’s rising star, Lycha Ebon.
Humble Beginnings
The 18-year old spiker from Davao City National High School has proven that she is now ready to take her volleyball career into the next level. Ebon was a two-time MVP in the Palarong Pambansa and was able to join a couple of sporting events before entering FEU which helped her cope with what’s waiting for her.
The Magic of Social Media
Did you know that the Tams wasn’t the first team to tap Ebon? As a Palarong Pambansa star, she was noticed by schools like UST and De La Salle as well. After being considered by two powerhouses, Coach George came across her in the FEU fan page and eventually recruited her.
“Actually, (na-recruit) lang yan sa fan page ng FEU. May nagsabi na ‘coach may ganito, ganyan’ sabi ko ‘sige kako, bisitahin ko’. Pinunatahan namin sa Davao and na-convince naman namin pero before kasi may kumukuha na ring ibang schools sa kanya,” Coach George said.
Ebon was moved by how much FEU wants her in their team. This became a big factor to her decision and which team to showcase her talent with.
“Sila yung pumunta sa akin sa Davao. Yung eagerness nila na gusto talaga nila ako kaya napili ko sila.”
The Next Pons
If you’ve been following Ebon’s career for a while, you probably know that there are quite few people who didn’t agree that she immediately got FEU’s former star player, Bernadette Pons’ jersey number 2. Although, as the season kept going, Ebon just keeps improving and show the people that she deserves that inheritance and continue her legacy.
“Sabi naman ni Ate Pons: ‘Number lang ‘yan eh.’ Iyon na lang ang pinapanghawakan ko. Hindi ko na mina-mind ang sinasabi ng mga tao.”
The Next Queen Tamarraw?
As people talk about Ebon’s constant improvement despite her recent injury, speculations from the media and of course from spectators if there’s a possibility of her being the next leading the team. Being on the spotlight right probably adds a little pressure on her, but she seems cool about it.
“Tignan natin. Malalaman natin.”
That’s about it so far for the newest addition to the Green and Gold team, FEU Lady Tamaraws. Let’s hope to get to know her more in the future!
Follow the writer on Twitter: @thegreatangelli
