At the age of four, she could hit the shuttle, drawing inspiration from watching her dad’s various tournaments. She describes herself as extremely competitive and always looking for a good challenge.
Though she will receive her award for five years of service from the Ateneo in November, she says she never saw herself coaching. Things just fell into place, says one-half of the doubles team that was once ranked 11th in the world with her brother, Kennevic. But although it was never her plan, she is happy currently coaching the Ateneo team, which consists of some national team players.
Under her watch the Lady Shuttlers have broken numerous records in the University Athletics Association of the Philippines where they achieved the women’s team’s very first gold medal. The men’s team also garnered a solid third in 2007.
“That is why I am proud of my team because I know they are trying to be at par with the country’s best athletes while juggling academics that cannot be compromised,” says Asuncion.
This former UP Lady Maroon proves coaching goes beyond strategies and fundamentals.
She sees coaching as important in this sport where she has to guide athletes. This, for her, poses the greatest challenge in making the team believe that they can win.
She believes in making athletes not just better competitors but also better persons. She herself admits that she is not the best coach and that she is constantly striving to better herself as well.
Ascuncion remembers what her father used to tell her, “Dream your dream and do your best, never doubt and never rest until that dream is yours.” If anything else, this is what she wants to pass on to her team.
