Benilde alumna Hidilyn Diaz etched her name in history by becoming the first Filipino to win an Olympic gold medal—a triumph that lifted barriers, challenged stereotypes. In an exclusive interview with The Benildean, team captains Maxyn Bercilla, Gillyn Rafaella Gonzalvo, and Kiana Louise De Asis reflect on their journey during Women’s Month as they carry the same fire into NCAA Season 100.
Captain’s log
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde has been able to establish a strong presence in the landmark season of the NCAA as teams consistently bring home the bacon and secure a podium finish. These great teams need great captains, and these women are leading the charge.
Lady Shuttlers team captain, Maxyn Bercilla, described her leadership strategy as a deep commitment to the College, “Being a Benildean first is an important factor in maintaining our winning culture. [...] Staying focused on our goal of winning, and continuously striving to train harder—because we are Benilde.”
Meanwhile, the Lady Netters’ team captain, Kiana Louise De Asis, highlighted that authority is not the main goal of a leader, “You gain respect by respecting others. It’s also about setting a good example for [the team], that you should be their role model on and off the court.” She added, “My best example is during doubles matches, I tell my partner that when we play, don’t think that I'm your captain, na pantay lang tayo dito.”
“I’m not everything I want to be, but I'm more than I was, and I’m still learning.” Quoting author Charlotte Eriksson, Gillyn Rafaella Gonzalvo, the Lady Torpedoes’ team captain, emphasized that a strong bond makes a strong team. “Eating together is a great bonding [time] for us because we get to debrief [about] training and performance. I balance this with being a leader by showing my teammates that I am someone they can turn to when they need assistance.”
Smashing stereotypes
Female athletes push through physical, mental, and societal challenges that often extend beyond the court. “Being a woman in sports means breaking barriers and stereotypes or categorization of what sports women can play,” Gonzalvo illustrated. On the other hand, Bercilla added, “We also have the capabilities of competing, leading, and inspiring future generations, showing that gender should never define anyone’s potential in athletics.”
De Asis shared one of the gender-based challenges she faced in high school, “[One] time we were waiting for a match to finish kasi kami na next in line and ‘yung kasunod namin was a men’s match. [After the previous match], the director said we should pack [up] kasi sa ibang court daw kami [maglalaro] which is lubak-lubak and walang audience.”
Gonzalvo also expressed her hope for more people to recognize the strength it takes to train and compete despite the pain and mood changes caused by hormonal shifts and menstrual cramps.
Similarly, De Asis underscored that cramps are more than just discomfort, describing them as a significant challenge for female athletes especially during competitions. She noted that it can lead to low energy and strength, as well as mood swings and fatigue.“It will really affect your performance and it’s hard to stay at your best, physically and mentally,” she emphasized.
“I wish people knew that us female athletes also train just as hard and are just as capable as anyone else. Regardless of gender, all of us experience challenges, sacrifices, and hardships in pursuing our passion,” Bercilla stated.
Gonzalvo amplified this by saying, “I believe that it is important to be assertive and to stand your ground [as a female athlete].”
Changing the game
When asked about advice they would give to an aspiring young girl that would like to carve out a name in sports, Gonzalvo responded with “I would tell her to believe in herself no matter what…if she wants to play the sport and believes she can, she must.”
Bercilla emphasized that sports is about passion, perseverance, and confidence in one’s capabilities, reminding young athletes that only they can push themselves towards their full potential. Further explaining, De Asis highlighted the importance of self-confidence and not resilience against doubt or criticism. “Just keep working hard and let actions speak [louder] than words,” she advises, adding that this message is not only to girls but also to young boys.
Despite the challenges, these athletes push past every barrier and lay the groundwork while holding our green and white banner high and bright.
“I’ve been part of the green and white family for over a decade, and this has taught me to lead with integrity and stay true to our core values, both on and off the field,” Bercilla stated.
Through their leadership, resilience, and sheer talent, they are proving that women in sports are as fierce as their counterparts. They carry more than just our school pride; they carry the promise of a more inclusive, empowered, and inspiring world of sports.
