MANILA – Being drafted in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) was already a dream fulfilled, but for Bacolodnon Dr. Fille Claudine Cainglet, the way she achieved it will always be etched in the history books.
Cainglet was made the top overall selection by the Glutagence Glow Boosters in the first-ever WNBL draft.
Cainglet had her tears of joy while stitching a patient on Saturday evening at the East Avenue Medical Center, where she was on her fourth and final year of orthopedic surgery residency.
“I am overwhelmed beyond words! I was literally crying while stitching a patient inside the OR (operating room) when I learned about it,” the former University of the Philippines’ (UP) women’s basketball standout told Panay News.
“Dreams do come true! I just can’t let go of my dream,” added the Bacolodnon cager, who steered the Lady Maroons to two University Athletic Association of the Philippines women’s basketball finals appearance.
While the 32-year-old Cainglet already achieved her hoops aspirations, the Bacolodnon said her ultimate focus is to become a licensed orthopedic surgeon.
“I know it will be hard to balance both being a professional basketball player and a doctor pero ang priority ko is my orthopedic surgery residency,” Cainglet said.
“Nung bata kasi ako, dream ko talaga maging doctor. Later on nung college, natagalan ako kasi nag-enjoy ako sa basketball. But after I graduated, I still want to be a doctor tapos eventually gusto ko maging sports doctor,” she added.
“As a basketball player, ‘yung UP stint was already the greatest time of my life siguro. Kasi in Philippine basketball, college-level na sa women’s, ‘yun ‘yung highest level then. Until Ms. Rhose (Montreal) opened WNBL. WNBL is truly one giant step for women’s basketball in the Philippines. I want to thank the innovators for making this possible,” Cainglet said, the elder sister of former Ateneo Lady Eagles volleybelle Fille Cainglet-Cayetano.
Apart from Cainglet, also selected by the Glow Boosters in the draft were Camille Claro, Khate Castillo, Camille Sambile, April Lualhati, Nic Cancio, Carol Sangalang, Raiza Palmera-Dy, Nicky Garcia, Samantha Tan, Ays Hufanda, and Camille Ramos./PN
