Photo by Jessica L. Roasa

One cabinet is not enough to fit all the championship trophies and individual awards these rookies have accumulated throughout the years, and having joined the Lady Eagles this summer, they’re looking to add more to their collection.

More than six years have passed and the sweet taste of champagne has eluded the streets of Katipunan. Since the departure of Ateneo’s twin towers, Cassy Tioseco and AJ Barracoso, the Lady Eagles have grown dormant. With the Blue Eagles and Eaglets dominating the skies of collegiate hoops, meet the six rookies itching to complete Ateneo’s women’s basketball triumvirate.

Cheskie Tantoco

Cheskie Tantoco is no stranger to the court.

Her basketball career began at the ripe age of 10. In the summer of her first year in high school, she was one of the twenty students selected to represent Manila in the National Basketball Training Center.

Cheskie has also represented the country as a member of the RP Youth Under-16 Team and is currently a member of the Under-18 Team. Upon graduating from Poveda, she was named batch Athlete of the Year.

With credentials like hers, recruitment into one of the top universities was inevitable. “Coach Joe Silva texted my high school coach asking if I was interested to train with them,” she shares. “I was just coming into my senior year and was excited.”

Though she was initially torn between Ateneo and La Salle, she chose the former because she liked the team’s dynamic. “The coaching staff promotes a family atmosphere and they love to joke around. We have fun but we also know when to take things seriously,” she says.

The future looks bright for Cheskie and she is determined to establish herself as an asset to the team.

Ther Aseron

“My uncles introduced me to the game since they were all basketball fans,” says Ther. “After that I just fell in love with the game.”

Ther Aseron was Assumption Antipolo’s resident wingwoman, known for her speed and accurate perimeter shooting. By the time she was in 7th grade, Ther suited up for the Assumption Antipolo basketball team where she played alongside fellow Lady Eagle Elrica Castro, her best friend.

Named Finals MVP in their series against St. Therese College in the Women’s Basketball League, Ther tried out for the RP Youth Team.

“Training had already begun but a friend told me to still try out,” explains Ther.

In spite of the late appearance for training, head coach Patrick Aquino, also an assistant coach for the NU Bulldogs, included the high school standout in the lineup.

Ateneo was Ther’s first choice and she longed for a chance to play for the Lady Eagles. “I couldn’t believe that Ateneo wanted to recruit me and the others,” she confesses. “But I knew in my heart, I wanted to be a Lady Eagle.”

Elrica Castro

At five years old, Elrica Castro played her first ever game of hoops, since then, she has fallen in love with the game.

“I grew an interest to basketball because of my dad,” shares El. Her father, a former Letran Knight, signed her up to play basketball in their inter-village summer league in Pasig. “I was the only girl playing basketball with the boys,” she recalls.

El began her varsity career in Assumption Antipolo in 6th grade. Playing the point guard position, she proved to be a true court general as she helped the Assumptionistas win several titles.

As a tribute to her skill, El was dubbed the Finals MVP during the Hardie Man Cup Finals versus Faith Academy. Also a member of the RP Youth Under-18 Team that trained in Taiwan, she is no stranger to international competition, having competed in India and Thailand for FIBA and the SEA Games in Malaysia.

Coming to Ateneo to play in the women’s team was a dream come true for El. “Now that I am here, I want to do the best I can for the team and the school.”

Kitkat Nitorreda

“I wondered how it would feel to be in UP, just as I wondered about Ateneo,” admits Miriam College High School graduate Kitkat Nitorreda.

In the end, however, the choice was clear—the Lady Eagles was Kitkat’s team. “I was flattered that they were interested in me, especially since I always cheered for Ateneo in the UAAP,” says Kitkat.

The RP Youth Under-16 and Under-18 alum proved her mettle in her high school years, succeeding in her attempt to balance training with the national team with her duties to the Miriam basketball team, who were champions for three straight years in both the WNCAA and Women’s Basketball League.

A former WNCAA Mythical Five member, Kitkat often tagged along with her dad and brothers as a child and started formal training in Grade 7. She credits her skill to experience—playing against 6’7” opponents abroad who were in the same league assured Kitkat that she would be able to handle the collegiate rounds.

“I learned a lot and became stronger mentally and physically. When I came back, I was more confident with my game. And I needed that.”

Danica Jose

Standing tall at six-feet flat, Danica Jose is not your typical girl next door. “I played basketball when I was 6 years old because my boy cousins needed an extra player,” she shares, laughing

Playing varsity basketball for Miriam College High School from the 7th grade until her senior year, this girl knows how to play rough and tough. An enforcer down low, Danica was a vital member of Miriam’s three-peat team in the WNCAA.

Adding to her accolades, she was a former Finals MVP and was recruited heavily to play for the RP Youth Team by head coach Heidi Ong herself.

Playing as a center, Danica brings a strong post presence offensively and defensively. “Our experience in RP Youth not only improved our game but also boosted our confidence,” she says.

For Danica, Ateneo’s school spirit and prestigious education was all the incentive she needed to don the Blue and White despite offers from UP and other schools. “I was overwhelmed to know that all my hard work has paid off and now I am playing for Ateneo and receiving a good education.”

Kai Javier

“I play my best during every game because I want to show that hard work can really take you anywhere.”

Kai Javier is a firm believer of discipline and determination and her impressive collection of awards and recognitions is a testament to such a mindset. Prior to entering Ateneo, she has accumulated a number of MVP awards and championships and has sealed her spot in the Mythical Five in various tournaments.

Like her fellow rookies, she was also selected as one of the members of the RP Youth Basketball Team. “Being part of the RP Youth Team helped me in so many ways. My skills improved a lot,” she says.

Her dedication and passion for the sport has earned her a well-deserved scholarship to Ateneo, her top choice. “I still remember that night when my Mom broke the news to me. It changed everything,” she continues, enthusiastically.

She proves to be a valuable addition to the team and is confident they will do well in this coming UAAP season. Despite being sidelined for the year with an ACL injury, her mere presence is invaluable.