Read: A lawyer's open letter to DLSU Lady Spiker Mika Reyes
As the winner-take-all game 3 of the UAAP Season 78 women’s volleyball between De La Salle Lady Spikers and Ateneo Lady Eagles draws near, the rivalry deepens and tension among the supporters rises. Fans have different ways of showing support to the teams that they root for.
Making rounds in Facebook is an open letter from DSLU professor Atty. Andre de Jesus addressed to Lady Spiker, Mika Reyes. The post as of press time has 2,145 shares.
Dear Mika,
I have never met you. But, ever since I started teaching in De La Salle University (DLSU) in January of 2012, I have always known you as that tall girl with cropped hair who would always walk along Agno Street.
That girl who radiated beauty without trying.
Without even knowing it.
I could only imagine what this year’s championship means to you. Especially since you are (fortunately for you, sadly for most of us) graduating from college.
More so, since you carry the name of a great institution and its longstanding history of excellence in academics and collegiate athletics.
You were born into a world where winning is key.
Thus, it is no surprise that, having been trained by an amazing coach—*ahem* a “de Jesus” at that—and working with an immensely talented team, you have won championships and individual awards.
You were bred for war.
And victory.
But you are also no stranger to losing.
Whether in athletic competitions.
Or in relationships.
I’m reasonably certain that you are ruminating on—perhaps even grieving—yesterday’s loss.
But you know by now that losing is a verity that every man who walks the face of this earth will have to embrace.
You know by now that it is not the extent of a man’s vulnerability that determines his strength. His character.
It is his response to adversity that does.
You may have fallen, Mika, but you are not defeated.
Never were. Never will be.
Your foes can never extinguish the fire—a raging furnace—that burns inside you.
They can never drown out the death knell heralded by the sound of your every spike or block.
They always remember every single encounter with you as a fateful moment when they waged war.
Against the very best.
This Saturday, they will know this firsthand.
That, on that day, they walk on holy ground.
That they are facing, not adversaries.
But immortals who walk among men.
Who know not the meaning of tomorrow.
And whose spirit can never be quelled by even the cruelest tempest.
This Saturday, your foes will witness history.
Written by you and the Lady Spikers.
Dear Mika, I have never met you.
But I don’t ever have to meet you.
To know that you need not prove yourself this Saturday.
As you have already committed your entire being—sacrificed everything—for the love of the game.
You need not capture titles or receive medals or trophies to evidence victory.
You have already won our hearts.
The very first moment you played for the Green and White.
So, irrespective of how Saturday ends, know that you are already a champion.
Our champion.
You will be joining the graduating batch next term (your teammate, Gail, was kind enough to volunteer this information).
And this Saturday's game is your last.
When you leave DLSU, generations after you will speak your name.
With pride and reverence.
That you were fierce in battle.
White sphere at your command.
That you were a slayer of giants.
Generations after you will speak your name.
As though you have earned your seat among gods.
I already see myself delighting in hearing all stories of the legendary La Sallian you already are.
But I will always remember you as that tall girl with cropped hair who would always walk along Agno Street.
That girl who radiated beauty without trying.
Without even knowing it.
Thank you for embodying—and living—the Animo Spirit.
We will always treasure Jersey Number 3.
This Saturday, let loose your arrows.
One last time.
May they find their mark.
And may you find yours.
Live Mika in our hearts.
Forever.
Source: KAMI.com.gh
