By Angel Joyce Basa

Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraw Booter Katrina Magbitang was given the first-ever Alfredo Reyes Sports Excellence Award in the 2024 Academic Excellence Recognition Ceremony held last July 4 at the FEU Main Auditorium.

The two-time University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) women’s football champion earned the recognition after finishing her bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Sciences as a consistent dean’s lister.

In the recently concluded UAAP Season 86, Magbitang was also recognized as one of the league’s Athlete-Scholars of the year.

During an online interview with FEU Advocate, the Kapampangan Lady Booter shared that she was able to achieve being a dean's lister while working hard in training by living with the mantra, “athlete sa umaga, estudyante sa gabi.”

“Being a student-athlete while maintaining my dean's list status has been a fulfilling journey rooted in a dream to excel not only in sports but also in academics. I saw it as my way of giving back to FEU for their generous scholarships and support. Balancing rigorous training and academic responsibilities wasn't easy, but I embraced the challenge with determination,” Magbitang stated.

Last Season 85, Magbitang bagged the season’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award during their championship match in her first playing year.

In the same interview, the senior MVP shared the honor she felt with the award, citing it is a dream come true for other student-athletes as well.

“I was pleasantly surprised and overwhelmed when FEU recognized me as the first-ever recipient of this prestigious award. It wasn't something I had anticipated while striving for academic success and athletic achievements. This recognition means a lot to me because it not only acknowledges my efforts but also sets a precedent for other student-athletes who strive to excel both academically and in sports,” she shared.

Despite only playing for two years, the green-and-gold midfielder disclosed that she will no longer use her remaining playing years to support her parents by joining the military or becoming a sports coach.

Meanwhile, the rest of the Lady Tamaraw Booters are awaiting the Season 87 football tournament commencing in the second semester of the UAAP.

(Photos by Aleena Louise Abad/FEU Advocate; Courtesy of Francis Dait/FEU Athletics)