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The UST Golden Tigresses’ heart and soul calls it a career in the UAAP.
Eleven years and eight UAAP podiums later, Detdet Pepito’s time with University of Santo Tomas has come to an end.
And while her collegiate career ended with a loss to National University, Pepito nonetheless exits with pride, having left it all on the floor while being blessed with the opportunity to represent the Golden Tigresses.
“Unang-una po sa lahat, thank you kay Lord dahil safe natapos ‘yung laro and walang na-injury sa teammates ko,” Pepito said after UST’s 20-25, 26-24, 26-24, 25-21 loss to the Lady Bulldogs in the UAAP Season 88 stepladder Final Four.
“Talagang walang katulad ang UAAP, so thank you po sa lahat ng sumuporta — sa UST community, sa coaches ko, and sa teammates ko especially na talagang tinry ‘yung best para humaba ‘yung buhay namin sa UAAP,” added the captain, who recorded 23 excellent digs and eight excellent receptions in her final game.
With UST, Pepito blossomed into one of the UAAP’s top floor defenders, taking home six Best Libero plums during her time in España. These individual plums were accompanied by multiple podium finishes, including their bronze for Season 88.
More than the hardware and skills, Pepito also became UST’s heart and soul — one that culminated in the Golden Tigresses’ finals appearance back in Season 86 (2024). For the outgoing captain, it’s a reflection of her growth since joining UST back in seventh grade.
“Salamat talaga sa UST kasi halos half ng buhay ko, parang doon ako lumaki since Grade 7. Dahil sa kanila, nag-grow ako bilang tao ngayon. From pasaway na tao ako tas naging leader pa ng mga ‘to,” said Pepito, who took over the Golden Tigresses’ captaincy from Eya Laure in Season 86 (2023).
“So thank you lang din sa mga experiences and sa alaga na pinadama ng UST. I hope na kahit papaano, nabigyan ko ng balik ang UST sa performance ko.”
Now, Detdet Pepito is set to take the next step of her career, as she is expected to throw her hat in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft this June. Though in jest, she says another final dance with the Tigresses could also be another option.
“One more year. Bakit, pwede ‘yun ah?” Pepito said, before setting the record straight on her future plans.
“Actually hindi ko nga alam kung kanino nanggaling na hindi ako magppro, kasi nabababasa ko ‘yun. Wala naman akong sinabi, pero syempre dun na po tayo sa mas passion ko, sa paglalaro ng volleyball. Pero if ever, wag naman sana, magiging second option ko pa rin ‘yung sa education,” said the outgoing captain.
Detdet Pepito may not have led UST to a UAAP title, but she leaves España having instilled a culture of heart, grit, and leadership. Although filling her role won’t be easy, she knows that the Tigresses have a steady set of veterans to lead them for Season 89.
Top of mind is veteran Reg Jurado, who has been Pepito’s co-captain since Season 87.
“‘Yun nga, ang dami naming napagdaanan nang kasama ko siya, and I think marami siyang natutunan samin. Hindi lang sa akin, pero kundi pati kay Ate Eya and nakikita ko rin ‘yun,” Pepito said, with Jurado turning emotional beside her.
“Kayang kaya na niyang dalhin ‘yung team, and sa skills, mas okay po kasi ‘yung captain ball pag nakakapuntos, mas kaya dalhin ‘yung teammates niya.
As Pepito puts it, being captain ball is just a title, and everyone within the Tigresses is capable of taking over leadership duties.
“So feeling ko, si Regina, and syempre ‘yung mga nanditong katabi ko [Jurado, Xyza Gula, Jonna Perdido]. Ang captain ball, title lang naman ‘yan, pero nandon pa rin ‘yung kailangan na supporta mula sa mga seniors.”
Images courtesy of the UAAP Media Bureau.
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