Gumabao won’t play in the UAAP anymore, but..

MANILA, Philippines — De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers’ star Michele Gumabao never backs down from any challenge and as a result, the comely volleybelle has won multiple titles for La Salle in the UAAP and cemented her status as one of the players who had a stellar career in the league.

After four years of playing her heart out for the Green and White of Taft, Gumabao bids adieu to her UAAP career. 

But volleyball will definitely stay in her life. 

New career heights

The 20-year-old daughter of former actor-turned-pastor Dennis Roldan said she is forgoing her final year of eligibility for La Salle, but she will not miss volleyball as she tries her luck in a hosting career.

“I’m graduating on October and I’m not enrolling in a master’s program,” said Gumabao. “Hosting sports program like this (Sports Pilipinas), especially volleyball as the topic is like the same in playing volleyball.” 

“Volleyball is really close to my heart,” added the Marketing student.

Asked if she will also join showbiz like her younger brother Marco, Gumabao said that if there is an opportunity, she will grab it. But first things first, she has to finish her thesis before anything else.

Lessons in life

Gumabao became one of the most well-loved La Salle player and according to her, not only did she was able to hone her game but she also learned life-long lessons from Lady Spikers’ head coach Ramil De Jesus.

“I’ve learned a lot of life lessons from coach Ramil, especially discipline,” quipped Gumabao.

“Now I can have more time with my family.”

The charming lass ended her UAAP career with a title — La Salle’s third straight — and Gumabao believes the Lady Spikers are still very much capable of pulling off a four-peat.

“They (DLSU fans) should look forward to watching La Salle in the UAAP. I believe they can still win the championship.”

Rabid DLSU fans will surely miss Gumabao play, especially those days when she was leading the Lady Spikers to one victory to another. 

For the ex-UAAP Best Blocker, though, it is time to move on.

After all, Gumabao will still be seen on TV, this time not as the power-hitting spiker but as a TV show host who brings volleyball closer to its fans. – Rappler.com