By Marcus Isaac D.G. Bandong

Coming off a successful title run, Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw Booter Mon Diansuy is inspired to go for back-to-back championships after being recognized as the first-ever University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Men's Football Player of the Year by the San Miguel Corporation-Collegiate Press Corps (SMC-CPC) announced last Friday, June 20.

“Winning the UAAP title for the second time was a huge milestone, but this award adds even more motivation to keep pushing forward. It reminded me of Season 86 in which we failed to defend, but this time, we won’t let it happen again, we will be hungrier and mentally stronger than before to win the back-to-back title,” the goalie shared in an online interview with FEU Advocate.

In a crucial moment in their finals game last Season 87, Diansuy’s consecutive blocks in the back-and-forth penalty shootout against Ateneo de Manila University, 1(4)-1(3), sealed FEU’s 12th men’s football title, earning him the Most Valuable Player (MVP) honors of the competition.

The UAAP Season 87 MVP also expressed gratitude towards his grassroot mentors and his family in achieving the recognition.

“I’m also very grateful to my coaches, especially those from my province who have guided and trained me since I was young. My family has always been there for me, and of course, my girlfriend, she's witnessed everything I’ve been through and has supported me through all the highs and lows,” he said.

With the impressive showing last season, the Tamaraw Booter believes that receiving the MVP award was the biggest factor in being recognized by the CPC.

The green-and-gold goalkeeper also encouraged the whole FEU community to support them in their bid for a title repeat next season. 

“For the green-and-gold community, expect that we will do our best to win the back-to-back title; we need the FEU community to support us. We will win as one next season,” Diansuy shared.

Meanwhile, Lady Tamaraw Booter Carmela Altiche was also hailed as Diansuy’s woman counterpart, the first-ever UAAP Women’s Football Player of the Year awardee. On the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) end, San Beda University Red Booters’ Amir Aningalan completes the three inaugural recipients.

This marks the first time that SMC-CPC will celebrate the best collegiate football athletes from both the UAAP and the NCAA, respectively.

The honorees will be formally awarded at the SMC-CPC Awards Night to be held on Monday June 30, at the Discovery Suites in Ortigas, Pasig City.

(Photo courtesy of Max Dela Cruz/FEU Athletics)