AS THE University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 79 opened last September 3, 2016, much of the talk pivoted around the departures of King Eagle Kiefer Ravena and Queen Eagle Alyssa Valdez.
But one such departure that may have gone under radar until recent times is that of courtside reporter Laura Lehmann. Following her departure, fans of both the UAAP and Ateneo anxiously waited for news regarding her successor. It was not until two months ago that the restlessness ultimately came to an end as Lehmann’s successor was revealed to the world in the form of 19-year old Communications Junior Denice Dinsay.
Dinsay, with her endearing looks and charming personality, is sure to bring a new flavor to fans of both the UAAP and Ateneo, as she offers much to the table that will undoubtedly give fans something to look forward to for this season.
Road to Loyola heights
Since first grade, Dinsay knew that her heart belonged in Loyola Heights. “I [have] always wanted to go to Ateneo since grade one. I think it started when I was studying Jose Rizal and I found out that Rizal went to Ateneo for college. Ever since then, I knew that I wanted Ateneo,” said Dinsay.
Throughout her pre-college days, Dinsay played badminton and table tennis in the interschool level, though she insists she’s “far from the sporty type”. Dinsay adds that she fell in love with writing and film, even taking extra-curricular activities such as newswriting classes. Along with these, she’s also very interested in the world of recording and newscasting. Dinsay shares that it’s always been her dream to be a newscaster, which is what what led her to pursue a communications degree for college.
Dare to dream
Throughout her first two years, Dinsay’s resume in terms of being a host remained unmarked. Even in her home organization, Ateneo Association of Communication Majors, she did not apply for any hosting or reporting gigs. Dinsay’s passion for writing and reporting however, was revived when the job for the position of courtside reporter opened. She then went through a gruelling three-stage audition process involving tests such as storytelling, impromptu reports, and in her opinion, the toughest test of them all: smiling at the camera for over three minutes while answering interview questions from the auditions committee. Overall, Dinsay was not confident in her performance that day. “[The audition process] was hard! I honestly didn’t think that I’d get called back!” said Denice.
Tip of the iceberg
Things fortunately went well for Dinsay as she was eventually called back to be informed that she was now Ateneo’s newest courtside reporter. Even with the job of courtside reporter now fully in her grasp, Dinsay knows that she is just at the tip of the iceberg. “I’m trying my best to improve every day! As of now, I’m working hard at projecting myself in front of the camera because as I said earlier, that’s my biggest weakness talaga,” she said.
Dinsay is also fortunate because she has met some of the biggest names in the sportscasting business, willing to help her should she need it. She was given the opportunity to meet and learn from professionals in the industry, namely, Boom Gonzalez, Mico Halili, and TJ Manotoc. Dinsay shares that, however, she is very aware that she still needs to work hard and improve – as with all the other courtside reporters, there is still the possibility for her to be removed from her post. Although the fear of striking out lingers within the shadows, Dinsay is driven by sheer excitement and passion. “[This is] really a dream come true for me,” said an emotional Dinsay, while smiling from ear to ear. Though she’s aware of the challenges she may soon face, Dinsay believes that she is ready for the big stage.
