As the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) marks its historic centennial season, Aleea Fedillaga, newly minted Sports Editor of the Benildean Press Corps for A.Y. 2024-2025, steps onto a larger stage to bring fresh insights and energy as one of the newest courtside reporters.
Rooted in sports
The eldest among three children, Fedillaga’s connection with sports was nurtured from an early age. “I took up swimming, gymnastics, and badminton; pero I was never really an athlete talaga.” However, her affinity for sports started with her father, a dedicated basketball fan— “He’s a huge basketball fan, and ever since I can remember, there [would] always be a basketball game playing on the TV. Even though I didn’t know what was going on—it seemed fun and eventually [I] just got into it naturally.”
The COVID-19 pandemic deepened her passion for sports as she found solace in playing Fantasy Basketball and engaging with NBA games. “I would check the game schedule and see which teams were playing and watch the games I found interesting every day.”
Penning passion
Surprisingly, Fedillaga had no formal experience writing for and about sports until she joined BPC.
As a transferee student, she initially joined her program’s home organization, but her classmate, and current BPC Editor in Chief, Louis Layacan, encouraged her to join and write for the organization’s sports section, Ablaze. She shared, “I always loved writing but I never thought that I had the expertise to really pursue it, especially because The Benildean has a big platform.”
Balancing anything with academics is challenging, but Fedillaga took it in stride. Quoting the Student Publications Unit Head, Ms. Dayanara Cudal, “Like Ms. Dayan would always say, we're students first before we are journalists.” Fedillaga credits much of her growth as a sports writer to Kobe Balderas, the former Ablaze Editor, “Boss Kobe was really my mentor,” she stated. “His leadership style was both empowering and inclusive for the writers, he never made us feel like wala [kaming] alam.”
As the new Ablaze Editor, she expressed the ultimate goal of her tenure, “My number one goal is to build support for the Benildean athletes.” She vividly recalls a finals game at the nearby Rizal Memorial Stadium where not many people showed their support for the players. “I want to reach the level na super supportive talaga ang community-–loves them, talks about them, and supports them.” Utilization of short-form content to promote the athletes is one of her planned strategies to foster a stronger level of support and connection with every Benildean, whether on or off the bleachers.
Journey to the courtside
“My dad saw the Instagram post and sent it to me,” Fedillaga responded to the question about how she found out about the courtside reporter auditions. Eventually, she found herself navigating the rigorous selection process of GMA Network and found herself chosen for the role. “I’m very surprised that I got it because first and foremost, I didn’t expect it at all. I was there to audition just to try for [the] experience.”
The collective support aided both her courtside reporter and Ablaze editor journey. “First, I would like to thank my family; they were really supportive of me. My friends, including my Ablaze family, have been supportive [as well],” she added.
When asked about what it means to represent Benilde at the courtside, she responded, “Of course, I am so grateful to represent Benilde…However, as a courtside reporter, I am also representing the other member schools as well.” She also emphasized, “I am looking forward to the opportunity to get to know them, represent them, and tell their stories the best way I can.”
“This is season 100 and I am thrilled and excited to be a part of the NCAA team during its centennial season—and for me to be able to say that I was part of it means a lot to me already.” Fedillaga shared as she expounded on the things she is looking forward to this season, “I just want to be able to cover games that are super unpredictable.” She also shared the top games that she is looking forward to for basketball, “Benilde versus San Beda and I’m lucky enough to [have it for] my first coverage [as a courtside reporter] ever.”
Fedillaga also shared her excitement about the centennial season of the NCAA as she will bear witness to the unfolding of a historical one, “I’m really excited to cover the season in general since it’s historical and many claim that this is the most unpredictable season yet.”
Seeds of legacy
“I think being a courtside reporter was always a dream of mine. But, it was always something at the back of my mind. I never really thought that it would come true,” she described the unpredictable nature of her journey that started with the seeds of sports enthusiasm from her youth.
As she looks ahead, Fedillaga hopes to leave a lasting impact on Benildean sports history and campus journalism. “I want to serve as an inspiration to other girls who are passionate about sports, but are too scared because it is a male-dominated field, [and prove] that they can do it too, because I did it.”
“If you are reading this, this is your sign to go for it, just try. You won’t lose anything if you try.” She heartfully answered when asked for advice for student journalists, “As a sports writer, there is so much to love and learn [about sports] and that makes the job exciting.”
Fedillaga’s journey from a sports enthusiast to a key member of the team behind the NCAA’s centennial season is a testament to her grit, determination, and perseverance. She has gone from watching the action to being an integral part of it.
Catch the opening ceremony of NCAA Season 100 and watch the Blazers’ first game of the season as they face the Mapua University (MU) Cardinals on Sept. 7 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Tickets are available at the Center for Sports Development Office at the Benilde Sports and Dorm Complex until tomorrow, Sept. 6.
