MANILA, Philippines – Ateneo’s Chloe Daos and De La Salle University’s Kiko Gesmundo not only nabbed their first MVP plums, but also bagged the UAAP Season 80’s presitigious Athlete of the Year awards. 

Just a freshman, Daos already proved to be the new queen of UAAP swimming when she won both the Rookie of the Year and MVP plums after winning 6 gold medals and one silver.

Her incredible run helped the Lady Eagles bag a 3rd championship in 4 years after losing the title to the University of the Philippines (UP) Lady Maroons last season.

Daos, a BS Management major, also donned the country’s colors in her final stint in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Age Group championships. 

“It’s just really amazing and I’m still in shock that this has happened but I’m extremely grateful to be part of UAAP because it allows the athletes to showcase their talents in their respective sports,” said Daos. 

Men’s baseball MVP Gesmundo led the DLSU Green Batters back to the finals where they faced eventual champion Adamson University. 

The 3rd baseman, who’s also a national team member, basked in the spotlight after edging out his his high school rival and teammate, Iggy Escaño, who took home the MVP honors last season. 

Gesmundo, who will play his final year of eligibility, will team up with Escaño again next year in a bid to bring the crown back to Taft. 

Boys’ football champion and MVP Chester Pabualan of University of Santo Tomas nabbed the juniors’ Athlete of the Year team award while La Salle Zobel swimmer Nicole Pamintuan won back-to-back Athlete of the Year honors in the individual category. 

The Scholar Athletes of the Year were also recognized during the closing ceremonies:

Juniors Division

Jallen Herzchelle C. Agra- Adamson University
Philip Joaquin Y. Santos- Ateneo de Manila University
Anna Fatima B. Royeca- De La Salle Zobel
John Marvin S. Miciano- Far Eastern University
Faith Janine Shirly M. Nisperos- National University
Samantha Kyle L. Cantantan- University of the East
Zoey Marie S. Hillario- University of the Philippines
Ronalyn Joyce C. Lalimo- University of the Santo Tomas

Seniors Division

John Wilfred D. Enal- Adamson University
Marquis Riley P. Alindongan- Ateneo de Manila University
Jamaica Dianne G. Sy- De La Salle University
Bernadeth A. Pons- Far Eastern University
Mike Minuluan- National University
William Thomas C. Lara- University of the Philippines
Noelito G. Jose- University of Santo Tomas

– Rappler.com