MANILA – Volleyball was not the original sport of Bacolodnon Erika Deloria, but it served as a way for her to showcase her talent in Manila after being recruited by Enderun College Titans.
The 5-foot-8 hitter used to play basketball but switched to volleyball after her name was listed for the Christian Academy of Bacolod’s elementary volleyball team.
“I only started to play volleyball when my elementary teacher listed me to the school’s team without my knowledge,” Deloria told Iloilo City-based Gametime: A Sports Podcast.
“Prior to that, I honestly had no plans of becoming a volleyball athlete, but I am thankful to my former teacher because it opened me a lot of opportunities, including now with Enderun,” she added.
Deloria continued her volleyball career after elementary, playing for two schools in high school, Trinity Christian School and Bacolod Tay Tung High School.
During her time with Bacolod Tay Tung, the volleybelle had the opportunity to compete in Palarong Pambansa, the National Private Schools Athletic Association, and Rebisco Volleyball League, which caught the attention of Enderun coaches.
“My volleyball journey was not a flawless one as I was hated, ignored, and also had my dark moments, but it just motivated me to pursue and work even harder,” she admitted.
“Those low moments have brought me to where I am today and what I have achieved as a player. I can’t say I’m a great player because I honestly need more improvements,” she continued.
The second-year Bachelor of Science Business Administration -Technology Management student is eagerly awaiting the end of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic so she can begin her collegiate career with Enderun.
“For now, I am working out on my own here in Bacolod City and is regularly attending the team’s virtual workouts and at the same time focusing on my degree,” according to Deloria./PN
