Roma Mae Doromal reflects on UAAP career with Ateneo | ABS-CBN

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Roma Mae Doromal reflects on UAAP career with Ateneo

Roma Mae Doromal reflects on UAAP career with Ateneo

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

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Ateneo’s outgoing team captain Roma Mae Doromal. Photo from UAAP Media.
Ateneo’s outgoing team captain Roma Mae Doromal. Photo from UAAP Media.

MANILA — Ateneo Blue Eagles team captain Roma Mae Doromal ended her UAAP career on a victorious note.

The 23-year-old Communications graduate contributed nine excellent digs and six excellent receptions in their three-set win over the Adamson Lady Falcons on Wednesday, but she deflected all the credit and instead reflected on Ateneo's campaign in Season 86.

"Sobrang proud ako kasi nakita ko yung progress ng teammates ko," said Doromal, who averaged 13.4 digs and 14.1 receptions after 14 games in the elimination round.

"Mula preseason, first round, to second round, nakita ko talaga yung progress ng team and improvement, and sobrang madami kayong makukuha sa kanila."

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"Nakita niyo naman kung gaano sila kagaling so I'm very proud lang talaga and thankful din ako na nag stay ako for this season,” she continued.

These are also the same reasons why there was no regret for the 5-foot-5 libero in her decision to stay in Katipunan despite already finishing her bachelor's degree in 2023. 

"Nung nag decide naman ako na mag stay, hinanap ko talaga yung purpose ko,” Roma Mae revealed.

"By staying sa kanila, nakita ko na yung purpose ko na is i-help sila. As a libero din, yun lang naman talaga yung support na mabibigay ko sa kanila. Hindi ako makaka give ng points, but nandun ako para sa kanila all the way.” 

"'Yun siguro yung pinaka success for me, yung na help ko sila na mag grow sa bagong system, na magamay nila yung system, and na-help ko sila na maipakita nila kung gaano sila kagaling.” 

But before she became the leader that she is today, the Dumangas, Iloilo-native admitted that this was not the case during her earlier years donning Ateneo's Blue and White. 

"Yung pagiging leader ko. Actually, 'di ako ready nung time na 'yon, nung in-assign ako bilang team captain,” she told ABS-CBN News in a separate interview when asked about the biggest lessons that she learned during her college career.

"But then, naging ready na lang ako dahil sa na-experience ko na siya. I'm very grateful sa teammates ko kasi they helped me out,” she added. 

Doromal also briefly looked back on her first year in the Eagles' den in Season 84, saying that her rookie season, as well as her last one, are the best moments that she will forever cherish.

"Yung sasabihin ko na lang is yung rookie year ko. Siyempre, dream school ko yung Ateneo. Sa first game ko, super surreal talaga yung feeling na finally, nasa Ateneo na ako — studying and playing for Ateneo.”

The former NU Lady Bullpup made her debut for Ateneo in early 2022, the one that happened to be her only Final Four appearance, but that did not spoil the rest of her stay in Loyola Heights.

"Ang second siguro na best is yung, actually lahat naman best 'yon, every game, pero yung next is siguro yung ngayon. Tapos na ako sa Ateneo, and I'm happy sa growth ko din being an Atenean.”

Doromal then revealed that she is looking to play professionally now that her collegiate career has concluded, but when asked if she intends to play in the PVL, here is what she had to offer: 

"We'll see,” she said with a smile.

Ateneo’s Roma Mae Doromal and head coach Sergio Veloso. Photo by Rom Anzures, ABS-CBN News.

 

As for the rest of the Blue Eagles, the outgoing Atenean expressed her optimism for them next year.

"For the Season 87 batch, I'm rooting for you all. I'm proud, and with no doubt, alam ko magsa-succeed kayo," she said, while also leaving a message for her alma mater.

"To the Ateneo community, thank you for all the support. Sana 'wag niyo po silang pag sawaang suportahan." 

"Always lang po, One Big Fight!"

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