By Aine Peralta

With the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 men’s football tourney marking Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw Booter Mon Diansuy's final playing year, goalkeeper Quintin Sanchez is ready to step out of the shadows and into the goalposts that matter the most.

Last February 23, Sanchez and the green-and-gold squad wrapped up their Final campaign with a silver finish, with the match also capping off Season 87 Most Valuable Player Diansuy’s collegiate career.

Even with the veteran’s last season drawing all eyes, Sanchez acknowledged that the spotlight was rightfully on the decorated player, embracing his supporting role in the periphery without ever letting his guard down.

“Anytime, ready naman ako. Pero naiintindihan ko rin na ibubuhos talaga kay Mon ang season na ito ng mga coaches (I was ready anytime. But I also understand that the coaches will really focus on Mon this season),” he said in an interview with FEU Advocate.

But for the goalkeeper, being ready is not just about waiting on the sidelines; it is about preparing for the moment when opportunity knocks.

Once a standout in the  FEU-Diliman junior football team, Sanchez has transitioned into a more reserved role in college, spending much of his stay as the team’s second-string goalkeeper—but not for long, as the chance to step up is just around the corner.

Filling big gloves

Taking over a player of Diansuy’s caliber is no simple task. For the Morayta-based keeper, the magnitude of the role is not something to take on lightly.

“Pressure talaga sa’kin. Hindi madaling punan ‘yung iiwan ni Mon na role, lalo na’t alam ko kung gaano kalaki ‘yung na-contribute niya sa team this season (There's a lot of pressure on me. It won't be easy to fill the role Mon will leave, especially since I know how much he contributed to the team this season),” he expressed.

But instead of shying away from the weight, Sanchez is choosing to embrace it.

“Gagawin ko siyang motivation para gawing akin ‘yung role. Dadalhin ko ‘yung sarili kong lakas at sisiguraduhin kong magiging dependable ako para sa team next season (I will use him as motivation to make the role mine. I will bring my own strength and make sure that I will be dependable for the team next season),” the green-and-gold goalie asserted.

The gloves may change their owners, but the reserve keeper is not looking to inherit them; rather, he wants to redefine what it means to wear them by leveling up the role in his own way.

Having served as the squad’s backup keeper this Season 88, Sanchez is now shifting his focus to what lies ahead, fueled by the desire to bring the glory back to Morayta.

“Babawi ako. Babawi kami as a team. Magpupursigi ako sa training at gagawin ko ang lahat para mabawi namin ito (I will recover. We will recover as a team. I will persevere in training, and I will do everything to help the team bounce back),” he added.

Alongside fellow keeper Jetrick Fabrigas, Sanchez’s mindset could help define the Tamaraws’ next line of defense. Representing the next generation of FEU, Quintin remains hungry to make his mark while taking the standard set before him to the next level.

(Photo courtesy of Jannah Hilario/FEU Athletics)