THE FIFTH of December 2018 was certainly a memorable date as history unfolded between two sides positioned on somewhat opposite ends of Katipunan Avenue. For hoop fans, it was remembered as a day of dynasty against destiny with experience coming up trumps. For the athletes, it was about triumph, learning, and coming back stronger and wiser the next year.

For Ateneo courtside reporter Frannie Reyes, though, triumph and celebration were not the only emotions running high in her mind as the Blue Eagles claimed the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 81 Men’s Basketball title. For her, it was also a day of fulfillment and gratitude as she closed the first half of a journey that started with simple curiosity.

Just a year ago, Reyes was debating on whether to pursue the courtside position or attend the University’s Junior Term Abroad (JTA) program. In hindsight, Reyes has no regrets—the path on the courtside has already given her many memorable experiences.

Although the management economics (AB MEC) junior had some experience in theater and singing prior to her audition, she admitted that the whole audition process was one of the hardest things that she has ever had to do.

“I didn’t anticipate how tired I would be going into the whole process. It was a lot of researching and doing screenings to see how well I’d do in front of a camera and how well I read on the spot,” said Reyes.  

After going through all the screenings, Reyes admitted that her personal self-doubt also caused a great deal of stress. No matter how hard she tried, the idea of not getting the job was a thought that continuously lingered in her head in the days leading up to the final reveal.

Photo by Joshua Tan

Eventually, Reyes received a text message from ABS-CBN asking her to drop by the office. When she got there, she was nearly moved to tears as she was informed of her new position as the courtside reporter for Ateneo de Manila University. “I cried so hard because it was so tiring and I was so happy that I made it,” she recalled.

Fast forward to the first game of the season, Reyes was quick to admit that she was more excited than nervous to finally read her reports to a broadcasted audience for the very first time. Her enthusiasm to get out there and do what was asked of her definitely played a part in a massive first broadcast.

As the season progressed, Reyes’ enthusiasm did not wither. She found herself constantly attending team practices to talk to Blue Eagles Head Coach, Tab Baldwin, and the players. “Well, with the basketball team, what’s nice about having Coach Tab is he’s really great at speaking so there [are] a lot of things you can take in. You can also talk to him as well, which is great,” explained Reyes.

Reyes’ enthusiasm and yearning for growth definitely played a huge part in her journey. If it were up to Reyes, she would love to keep her job for the remainder of her college life-citing numerous memorable moments filled with growth, discovery, learning, and nostalgia.

“I was there during the five-peat era which was also in Araneta. It was amazing because it was like I was reliving that moment; but this time, I was at the center of it all. I wasn’t just a fan anymore,” said Reyes on her memorable experience in the Season 81 Basketball Finals round.

With second semester sports looming, Reyes now finds herself handling the Ateneo Women’s Volleyball team. Although she knows it will pose a different challenge, Reyes is enthusiastic and eager to make the most of yet another opportunity for growth and learning: “It’s another learning process that I’ll be pulling scraps from again; I’m excited.”

Photo by Joshua Tan