After three years of wearing the green-and-gold with grit and grace, Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws team captain Jelord Talisayan concluded his collegiate chapter during the 2025 Commencement Exercises last July 24. His academic triumph capped off a journey shaped by pressure and growth—one that molded him from a rookie to a leader, both on and off the court.

For the Morayta-based spiker, volleyball was never just a game—it was where he learned to lead, commit, and carry weight heavier than any medal. His journey reflects resilience, dedication, and a passion for both academics and sports. 

Despite having the option to play for another season, Talisayan decided to finish his journey on his own terms. The Tamaraw standout chose to make his exit not with a final game, but with a diploma, a goal that reflects a purpose reaching far beyond the volleyball court.

Brave beginnings

At an age where rookies are still learning the ropes and adjusting to the collegiate field, Talisayan found himself bearing the weight of the team on his shoulders, embracing the challenge of being a rookie captain for the Tamaraws filled with seasoned seniors.

Under Talisayan’s leadership, the Tamaraws brought home a bronze medal in University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85.

However, taking on the role was not an easy task as it equated to an extra burden. Luckily, his loved ones provided him with well-needed support to push through.

“‘Yung family ko malaking bagay sila every time na stress[ed] out ako or burnout din ako, sila ‘yung nagbibigay sa'kin ng motivation and strength (My family means a lot to me, every time I'm stressed out or burnout, they are the ones who give me motivation and strength. Also, my girlfriend, who always supports me all the way up every time),” he said in an interview with FEU Advocate.

Given the responsibility of juggling being a rookie captain and balancing his studies, the green-and-gold skipper learned to take responsibility and manage his time—striving to serve his team while excelling in class.

Leading with heart

Though he no longer wore the captain’s badge in Season 86, Talisayan’s influence on the team remained certain beyond measure as the Tamaraws clinched back-to-back bronzes. 

In his last playing year, he was once again named squad leader, spearheading FEU to their first finals appearance since 2019.

With a new wave of rising rookies entering the fold, Talisayan began to see fleeting minutes, willingly sacrificing his playing time for the growth of young guns like Amet Bituin and Mikko Espartero.

Understanding the weight of his role, the FEU spiker knew that leading meant more than just putting in effort—it meant learning how to guide a diverse group with empathy and intention.

“Kasi ikaw 'yung team captain, paano mo sila pagsasabihan? Paano mo sila dadalhin, since iba-iba 'yung personalities nila, iba-iba rin 'yung problems nila, iba-iba rin 'yung pinanggagalingan nila (Because you're the team captain, how do you tell them? How do you bring them along, since their personalities are different, their problems are different, their backgrounds are different),” the veteran Tamaraw reflected.

Amid missing the chance to end a 12-year title drought, Talisayan remained proud of what he considered one of his biggest achievements: leading the Tamaraws.

“Malaking achievement para sa akin na nadala ko ‘yung team na rookies, sophomores, up to seniors; paano ko binuo ‘yung team… na naging part ako kung sino sila at sa maging sino sila (It was a big achievement for me to be able to bring the team of rookies, sophomores, up to seniors; how I built the team… that I was part of who they are and who they ought to be),” he added.

A steady presence

Whether it was bridging differences among teammates or managing academics, the outside hitter became a calming force—reliable and ever-present—even when it meant sacrificing his rest and leisure.

For the former green-and-gold captain, he always reminded the team that studies were just as important, if not more so, in reaching one's true potential.

“Hindi lang dapat laro ang inaatupag natin, dapat maging focused din tayo sa pag-aaral. So kung gaano man tayo ka-committed sa paglalaro, ganun din dapat tayo ka-committed sa pag-aaral kasi it’s a two-way responsibility (Our focus shouldn't just be on playing, we should also be focused on studying. So no matter how committed we are to playing, we should also be committed to studying because it's a two-way responsibility),” he emphasized.

Through effort, exhaustion, and the pressure of leading a team, he came to live by a simple rule: respect is not handed to you on a silver platter; it is earned. It was a lesson carried over, not just in the game, but also in life.

“'Yung golden rule ko sa team ko last Season 87 and 85 is ‘yung respect, hindi siya kusang binibigay, ine-earn siya. So kung gusto mong irespeto ka ng tao, kailangan mo rin rumespeto (My golden rule with my team last Season 87 and 85 is that respect is not given willingly; it is earned. So if you want people to respect you, you have to respect them too),” he added.

To the teammates Talisayan leaves behind, his advice is clear: honor both your games and your goals. It is a principle he did not just preach, but practiced—showing through his actions what it means to stay committed, focused, and true to both craft and character.

Now a proud graduate of Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Sciences Major in Fitness and Sports Management, Talisayan exemplified the essence of a true captain—proving that success is not just about how high you jump, but how grounded you stay. His leadership, both on and off the court, set a lasting tone for excellence, discipline, and heart. 

- Aine Peralta and Dwyane Harry Cabrera

(Photo by Ma. Louela Luna/FEU Advocate)