In the world of sports journalism, many professionals once harbored dreams of becoming elite athletes in their respective fields.
Yet, unforeseen challenges often redirect these aspirations, leading them to cover the sports they once dreamed of dominating.
However, Ysa Bakabak's story takes a different turn.
Not only does she write for The LaSallian, but she is also playing as a middle blocker for the Akari Chargers in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference.
“I’m really happy about it, pero at the same time, I guess it’s something that I’m really looking forward to kasi from college, I haven’t been able to play, so only covering games,” Bakabak shared.
Her excitement reflects a unique blend of perspectives: as a journalist who has covered games and as an athlete about to step back onto the court.
Despite her enthusiasm, Bakabak’s path to joining the Power Chargers was fraught with hurdles.
Although she was part of the Lady Spikers' training pool, she didn’t secure a spot on the team in the UAAP.
Additionally, she went undrafted in the inaugural PVL Draft.
Nevertheless, Bakabak’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination.
Her experiences with the Lady Spikers, coupled with her role as a sports writer and the guidance of head coach Ramil de Jesus, were instrumental in her development.
“Besides not being able to play, I’m still grateful for all of the opportunities that I’ve experienced and still grateful to Coach Ramil for training under him,” said the 21-year-old middle blocker.
“At the same time, [I’m thankful for] the courage in me that I took the guts, the opportunity to keep pushing and keep trying despite not being able to play,” she added.
Balancing her commitments as a campus journalist, a professional volleyball player, and a senior pre-med student at La Salle, Bakabak demonstrates exceptional time management skills.
Pursuing a degree in Psychology, she emphasizes the importance of planning and organization in her busy life.
“I’m a planner, so I’m a really organized person. I plan ahead of time. In my personal planner, I plan two weeks in advance and schedule accordingly,” she explained.
As she navigates her multiple roles, her focus remains clear: to excel with Akari while continuing her passion for journalism.
