KNOWN to be one of the veteran setters for the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons’ women’s Volleyball Team, Ilongga Marianne Sotomil is now setting on a different court.
The Pavia, Iloilo native Sotomil became the recent addition to the tandem of Rodolfo Go Villaruz and Emeliano Maulas Jr. in their weekly Iloilo Sports LANG podcast, which recognizes past and present Ilonggo athletes.
“Public speaking is not new to me naman, that is why this opportunity is something na I have been looking forward to especially this is a chance for me to share and impart my knowledge about sports and life,” Sotomil said.
“So when Ka Ruding invited me, happy gid ko kay may ara people na ga-believe sa akon capabilities hindi lang sa mga bagay nga maobra ko sa sulod sang volleyball court,” Sotomil stated.
The 20-year-old Sotomil had her baptismal of fire in hosting last Sunday where Ilongga basketball players Cindy Lopez of Enderun College Lady Titans and Ana Tacatac of University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses served as guests.
“As a co-host to Iloilo Sports LANG, I expect it to be a fun learning experience kay I’ll be given a chance to further know my purpose sa world of sports,” the Ilongga volleybelle said.
“I know for sure that this will help me widen my knowledge and perspective as a sports enthusiast and, of course, magiging confidence booster ko man at the same time,” she added.
Prior to being recruited by UP head coach Godfrey Okumu, Sotomil was a star setter for the Bacolod Tay Tung High School and represented Western Visayas several times in various competitions.
“Sports has always been my greatest blessing in life (aside from my fam & peers). It has brought drastic change gid ya saakon kay who would’ve thought that an aspiring girl from Pavia will be given an opportunity to study and represent UP in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines,” she said.
“As a host, the viewers can expect a real and true “Mai” who’s kalog, sabog, happy go lucky but seryoso kung ang gina-storyahan are dreams and passion. And they should also expect my deeper side kay I really want to impart my experiences, struggles & relatable moments sa akon bilog nga student-athlete journey,” she added./PN
