As the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) continues its search for fresh voices and faces to shine on the courtside, Far Eastern University (FEU) bids farewell to Seasons 86 and 87 Correspondent Mae Reyes who looks back on a transformative two-year journey defined by courage and commitment.

The UAAP is known for its fierce, adrenaline-charged games where student-athletes pour their hearts into representing their universities; yet, beside the action-packed tournaments are students driven by purpose with their own stories to tell.

And while those who play in the game are the main draw for the audience, beside the courtside are another set of student-athletes: passionate storytellers ready to amplify the voices of the players, bridging the gap between them and the onlookers.

From curiosity to courtside

Reyes’ journey as the green-and-gold correspondent started in Season 86, just before she entered her fourth year of pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Communication - Convergent Media Track degree at FEU.

As she closed her chapter at the University, the Morayta-based rep revisited the mark of a pivotal moment in her collegiate life.

In an online interview with FEU Advocate, the Tamaraw courtside reporter shared her decision on why she chose to apply for the correspondent role, a decision sparked by a deep curiosity about the world behind the action. 

“The story of my audition for the UAAP Correspondent role was basically out of curiosity and super unexpected, but not impulsive. When I saw the Facebook post about the auditions back then for Season 86, I got curious about the role and then researched a lot because I barely knew anything about sports. Next thing I knew, I was consulting my audition video/s with Sir Christian Evasco, and then boom, application submitted,” she shared.

At the Season 87 basketball press conference, Reyes was once again announced as the University’s representative, and this time, her return was fueled by stronger intention to become better in telling the stories of the Tamaraw student-athletes. 

Where reporting meets storytelling

With two seasons spent telling stories, her experience went beyond the sidelines; it became a window into the raw, unfiltered side of student-athletes—something fans rarely see.

Through courtside interviews, pre-game rituals, and moments off the court, the green-and-gold corres witnessed FEU student-athletes’ candid moments, an experience she was more than grateful to witness. 

Coming from a non-sports background, the Morayta-based correspondent found herself immersed in a community that challenged and changed her perspective. From being a bystander simply watching the game to a frontliner on the sports scene, she grew into a role that once felt distant. 

To many, a UAAP courtside reporter is someone who delivers quick updates and reports, but for Reyes, the job means more—it is about uncovering the spirit that drives each player and for the community to know these individuals beyond the numbers etched on the back of their jerseys.

“My role was to see them through the jerseys they wear, share the stories they have, and hear their motivations in life. And I also have come to learn in life to always see the ‘why’ behind the ‘what’; always know the unwritten rules of the game to amplify these individuals’ passion, pursuit, and purpose beyond the sports,” she mentioned.

By unfolding each moment past the scoreboard, each report unraveled the unfiltered side of the athletes. Each had stories of grit, growth, and bravery that stats alone could never capture, a time that molded her into a storyteller that carries the voices and stories of Tamaraw student-athletes.

Lessons beyond the game 

As the FEU rep graduates, concluding her stay in the University, Reyes firmly looked back on the one lesson and core value she most believes in: courage. 

“It’ll always be the belief of putting yourself out there—being brave and showing up for yourself. Pouring every inch of effort in what you're doing, capturing each moment, living in the moment so you won’t have regrets,” she shared.

And holding on to this belief is what led her to taking that leap of faith two seasons ago, something that launched her into the UAAP spotlight.

In a setting where the spotlight often focuses on the game, the Tamaraw courtside reporter reminds the green-and-gold community to look deeper and find the story behind every tournament—to view student-athletes with a little bit more of empathy and authenticity.

As Reyes bids farewell to the green-and-gold, her journey is just one of the few reminders how one simple decision can change the trajectory of your life. With every report written, every spiel delivered, Mae Reyes’ journey started all because of one thing she decided to do—being brave. 

The UAAP’s online auditions for the next green-and-gold correspondent for Season 88 ended yesterday, July 31. 

 - Krizza Gabrielle Tabora

(Photos by Jan Dendiego, Ma. Louela Luna, and Zedrich Xylak Madrid/FEU Advocate