Imee Hernandez of UST’s Roaring Tigers. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines – Imee Hernandez will give up her remaining years in UAAP with the University of Santo Tomas and choose to turn professional.
The Tigresses middle blocker on Thursday made a surprising announcement on Instagram that she’s entering the next chapter in her volleyball career.
“Now that I’ve completed my studies, with you (UST community) by my side, I’m ready to face even bigger challenges ahead as I continue to pursue my passion for volleyball on a bigger stage and under brighter lights. I’ve decided to go pro,” Hernandez wrote.
The 22-year-old student-athlete has at least two years left before she decides to join the Premier Volleyball League but has not revealed her club team.
Hernandez expressed her endless gratitude to the UST community after playing volleyball from high school to college.
“It seemed only yesterday when a skinny little girl from Baliwag arrived in España, Manila, full of anxiety and excitement. But that was in 2014. My knowledge of the game, which ultimately changed my life, was simple. I had nothing to offer, but you embraced me without hesitation. You saw in me potential that I never realized,” Hernandez said.
“This community has believed in me, and thanks to your unwavering love and support throughout the years, I have reached new heights and achieved many personal goals,” she added. .
UST Tigresses’ Eya Laure and Imee Hernandez. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
The 5-foot-10 middle blocker started her college career in 2020 but Season 82 was wiped out by the COVID-19 pandemic after four games.
Hernandez was in the semi-finals twice as the Tigers won third seed in Season 84 last year but lost to No. 4 Ateneo in the ladder.
Hernandez launched her best college season this year, which included a career peak 24 points against Ateneo last April.
But UST was eliminated by two-time champion to beat and finally La Salle in The last four.
UST will lose the mid-level blocker along with the graduate Milena Alessandrini. Star Eya Laure has yet to announce her decision on whether she will return or turn pro.
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