MANILA – Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles secured a major boost for their rebuilding program after Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts standout Brianna Nikola Ang confirmed her commitment to the Katipunan-based squad.
In an interview with Sports Now radio program on Thursday night, the 5-foot-10 Ang said suiting up for the Blue Eagles fulfills a long-held dream.
“Yes po,” Ang said when asked if the rumors of her playing for Ateneo for college is confirmed. “It’s really my dream to go to school there and to build a future there po.”
Thunderbolts team manager Jose Montalbo earlier revealed that Ang had drawn interest from several schools, but Ateneo had the clear advantage.
“I can say that Ateneo has an edge, especially since some of Brianna’s former Bacolod Tay Tung teammates are currently playing there,” Montalbo said.
Ang shared her excitement not just about playing volleyball but also about the opportunities beyond the court.
“I’m very excited po to be given this opportunity to join them. Not only can this help me through sports but this can also help me outside sports po,” she noted.
She now joins a growing list of Tay Tung alumni who have taken their talents to Ateneo, including Katherine Shaine Cortez, Jihan Chuatico, Alex Montoro, Dona Mae de Leon, and Ana Hermosura.
Her arrival is expected to significantly bolster Ateneo’s campaign in UAAP Season 89 as head coach Sergio Veloso continues to mold a young, promising Blue Eagles lineup./PN
