UST Tigresses’ Eya Laure. UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Eya Laure kisses the University of Santo Tomas goodbye after spending 12 years at the school from high school to college.
Captain Tigresses on Thursday made the decision to part ways after four seasons with UAAP women’s volleyball.
It was a difficult decision for Laure as she moved into the next chapter of her volleyball career.
“Perhaps that is why until the last minute, I wanted to find a way to play for another year. I feel like I’m breaking up with thousands of people and my heart is falling to pieces. It’s painful and hard to say goodbye,” Laure wrote in both English and Filipino.
The 24-year-old player apologizes to the UST community after not winning the championship during her three seasons in college, but she will go away grateful to her teammates, coaches and supporters.
“I apologize for not being able to give you the championship you deserve. But more than that, thank you. I feel like my heart is exploding from [overwhelming] Thank you for yours, she said.
Laure had a stellar first year in 2019 as she emerged as a Rookie of the Year and got ahead of her Season 81 MVP teammate Sisi Rondina as they sent UST back to the Finals only to fall to Ateneo Blue Eagles in Game 3.
Former UAAP Girls MVP from UST High School who won the high school title in Season 76, reunited with sister EJ in 2020 but the tournament was wiped out by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Laure emerged as the league’s top scorer for the past two seasons but the Tigers were eliminated after the season.
UST, which was the 3rd seed in Season 84, lost to Ateneo in last year’s ladder semi-finals. Laure and Co. finished fourth in the qualifiers in Season 85 but was eliminated by eventual champion two-time defeat La Salle.
LESSONS AND ASKING QUESTIONS
Tears of Joy. Eya Laure and the rest of the UST Golden Tigers 2019. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Laure doesn’t reveal her team in the Premier Volleyball League but she promises to bring everything she’s learned from UST over the past 12 years.
“So much has happened in the last 12 years. I experienced and got through K-12 and the pandemic here. There are many heartaches. I have experienced losing a lot of games. There are many lessons as well. But my favorite thing is that I have learned to love,” the tennis player wrote.
“Thank you UST. That’s what I always keep in mind from the moment I step foot into this school until the time I have to say goodbye to the school that has been with me and never gives up on me no matter what. Without you, I probably wouldn’t have been able to achieve my dream,” she added.
“I am always complimented on how much I love UST. But I hope you know that you taught me that. That’s why I say thank you very, very much. I promise, wherever I go, I’ll take your love with me. There is no goodbye. Just see you again.
Imee Hernandez also said goodbye to UST moments before Laure posted. Milena Alessandrini will also leave Tigresses upon graduation.
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