By Angel Joyce C. Basa

Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Woodpusher Vic Glysen Derotas was awarded the second Alfredo Reyes Sports Excellence Award to date in the 2025 Academic Excellence Recognition Ceremony last July 17 at the FEU Main Auditorium.

The FEU women’s chess team captain and Women’s FIDE (International Chess Federation) Master was part of the Lady Woodpushers’ championship team in Season 86 and historic all-gold finish in Season 87 during the University Athletic Association of the Philippines women’s chess tournaments. 

In an interview with FEU Advocate, Derotas looked back on her experience of balancing academic and athletic responsibilities through her mantra, “play hard and study harder.”

“As a team captain, I have learned to become more responsible and intentional in everything that I do. I've grasped the real meaning of balance and discipline through and through while repeating the lines to myself, ‘play hard and study harder,’ ” she said.

She added that it is through time management, sticking to a routine, and consistently showing up that she was able to successfully juggle the responsibilities that came with being a student-athlete.

When asked about the meaning of being recognized in both sports and academics, she acknowledged that it is a reflection of the chess team's collective effort as a squad and camaraderie in pushing for greatness alike. 

“It emphasizes that our performance and passion truly matter, both within and outside the board. It inspires us to continuously grow, become even more resilient, and compete with utmost dedication, not just for bringing back victories, but also for the unique bond and legacy we build as a team,” Derotas shared.

Aside from plans of using her last playing year, the Lady Woodpusher also shared her short and long-term goals outside of chess. 

“While doing so, I will also be pursuing a master's degree in Clinical Psychology here at FEU while working in the corporate world. Puhon, I am planning to enter the Philippine Air Force as a Military Professor while continuing to contribute to the growth of young chess players as a chess trainer,” she stated. 

The Alfredo Reyes Sports Excellence Award is an academic recognition given to student-athletes who have shown greatness in both ventures. Former Lady Tamaraw Booter and Season 86 Athlete-Scholar of the Year Katrina Magbitang received the inaugural recognition in 2024.
(Photos by Aleena Louise Abad and Zedrich Xylak Madrid/FEU Advocate)