By Krizza Gabrielle Tabora
Far Eastern University (FEU) senior Lady Tamaraw Booter Regine Rebosura added another accolade to close her collegiate career after clinching the Collegiate Press Corps (CPC) Women’s Football Player of the Year honors last June 29 at the Discovery Suites Manila in Ortigas, Pasig City.
The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 Best Midfielder and Rookie of the Year awardee ended her final UAAP year on a high note, capping off her collegiate journey by leading the green-and-gold squad to a four-peat championship run.
During the Season 88 Finals against De La Salle University, Rebosura delivered the team’s championship-sealing goal to secure a 2-0 victory during the three minutes of added time.
Moreover, the Lady Tamaraw represented the country on the international stage as the lone FEU player in the national lineup during the AFC Women's Futsal Asian Cup and the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup hosted by the Philippines last year.
Yet despite her decorated career, the midfielder remains grounded as she looks back at the intense hurdles she had to face to become the standout athlete she is today.
“Natutunan ko na ang tagumpay ay hindi tungkol sa hindi kailanman pagkabigo — ito ay tungkol sa patuloy na pagsulong sa kabila ng mga hamon. Ang bawat sakripisyo ay naging sulit dahil nakatulong ito sa paghubog sa akin hindi lamang bilang isang manlalaro ng football kundi pati na rin bilang isang tao (I learned that success is not about never failing — it is about continuously moving forward despite the challenges. Every sacrifice was worth it because it helped shape me not only as a football player but also as a person),” Rebosura shared in an interview with FEU Advocate.
With last season marking the end of her UAAP journey, the Morayta-based athlete wishes that her journey would serve as a beacon of hope to aspiring young athletes.
“Kung ang aking paglalakbay ay makapaghihikayat kahit sa isang batang atleta na patuloy na habulin ang kanilang mga pangarap sa kabila ng mga hamon, alam kong ang tagumpay na ito ay nagkaroon ng makabuluhang epekto (If my journey can encourage even one young athlete to continue chasing their dreams despite the challenges, I know that this success has a meaningful impact),” she added.
As she exits the green-and-gold squad, the Lady Tamaraw reminded her teammates to remain grounded and value the journey in the upcoming season.
“Manatiling mapagkumbaba, magtiwala sa proseso, at huwag tumigil sa pag-aaral. Ang bawat training ng pagsasanay, bawat tagumpay, at bawat pagtalo ay isang pagkakataon upang maging isang mas mahusay na manlalaro at isang mas mahusay na kasamahan sa koponan (Remain humble, trust the process, and never stop learning. Every training, every win, and every defeat is an opportunity to become a better player and a better teammate),” Rebosura expressed.
Following former Lady Tamaraw Booter Carmela Altiche’s recognition as the CPC Women’s Football Player of the Year award last year, Rebosura’s victory marks the second consecutive year that the title remains in FEU.
(Photo courtesy of Collegiate Press Corps Facebook Page)