PROMISING Cebuana setter Ma. Deanna Izabella Wong is steadily getting closer to her dreams of suiting up for the two-time reigning UAAP champions Ateneo Lady Eagles after she joined the squad during their intense training sessions just recently in Thailand.
The comely 5-foot-7 setter, a product of the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R), is consistently making her mark in the high-powered squad that is looking to replace veteran Aerieal Patnongon, and starters Ella de Jesus and Denden Lazaro after the three exhausted their playing eligibility in the league.
Wong was in town recently and described to Cebu Daily News what it was like to train under fiery head coach Tai Bundit.
“At first, it was very hard for me as I was not used to the rigid training they had. But as time passed, I said to myself that I could do this and it was a challenge for me. We had twice a day training – morning and evening – and had barely time for studying. But with God, kaya naman lahat,” said the pretty youngster in an exclusive talk with this publication.
“It was really hard being under Coach Tai (Bundit) as he is not the same as the other coaches. He wants us to push hard and play hard in every game and practice. But you’ll get used to him naman,” added Wong of the experience under the known Thai coach who has led the Lady Eagles to back-to-back titles in the UAAP.
Ateneo is seeking to keep their momentum going in 2016 after coming away with last year’s title via an unprecedented sweep. The Lady Eagles swept the elimination round, winning all 14 games before finishing off the season with two wins over their perennial rivals, La Salle, in the finals.
Wong is hoping to snag one of the roster spots and be part of this year’s UAAP squad that will try to keep the title in Katipunan.
“Hopefully, I will (make the team). But for now, not so sure yet.”