AUGMENTED BY its history of excellence, Ateneo sports continues to catapult to greater heights as it enters its century mark, with the athletic program proving its worth locally and internationally since its establishment. With Ateneo greats Maxine Esteban (BS ME ‘21) and Kiefer Ravena (BS CTM ‘16) on the watch for international glory, the University solidifies their names in Philippine sports history.
Revitalizing the glory of the Blue and White, current standout talents like Paolo Medina (4 BS ITE ‘25), Charles Ticbaen (4 BS LS ‘25), and Rafael Barreto (5 AB EuS ‘25) bolster the legacy of the Blue Eagles by reinventing success.
Up the hill
Ateneo has witnessed a century of athletes who have represented the program’s legacy internationally by wearing the heart of the Blue Eagle on their sleeves. Known for their impressive showing on the global stage, Esteban and Ravena are a testament to this legacy.
Esteban bagged Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player (MVP) honors, alongside the Women’s Championship title for the Ateneo in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 81. Donning the excellence and integrity she cultivated from her Ateneo days, she solidified her mark in her sport, debuting at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Grounded in her Atenean principles, the fencing superstar exemplifies integrity even during the most trying times of her career.
On the hoops side, Atenean great Ravena left a stellar mark at the collegiate level with two championships and two MVP titles. The celebrated sportsman then became one of the most sought-after athletes in the country following his successful UAAP stint, bringing his world-class talent to the international stage.
The trajectory of Esteban and Ravena’s professional careers reflects the essence of Ateneo’s sports program, as both expressed that the culture fosters a conducive environment for breeding global talent.
Esteban noted that Ateneo’s imparted discipline and resilience have significantly contributed to her performance on the world stage. “In everything I do, I try to do it with excellence, never doing anything at the expense of another,” she remarked.
Ravena also shared the same sentiment, emphasizing that the Atenean culture has become a pivotal backbone of his career. “Ateneo’s off-court lessons enabled my holistic growth. Talent and skill can only get you somewhere, but being professional can help you achieve more,” he said.
With globally recognized talents highlighting the Blue and White’s prestige, the promising upshot of Ateneo’s program reinforces the testament of its enduring legacy.
Centennial success
With a full century under its belt, Ateneo sports have become a hallmark of success and a trailblazer to the new generation. Now that their names are embedded in Ateneo history, Men’s Swimming Team Captains Ticbaen and Barreto, as well as UAAP NBA 2K champion Medina are all at the forefront of Ateneo’s campaign to relive glory in its sports program’s hundredth-year.
At a time when championship dynasties are rare to come by, the Men’s Swimming Team has been one of the few dominant outliers, winning eight straight UAAP titles. As kings of the water, Ticbaen and Barreto embody the hard-nosed culture that their coaches have instilled in them, strengthening their team dynamics and sustaining their drive.
However, Ateneo’s commitment to glory extends beyond traditional sports, as the virtual playground of esports has opened new opportunities.
Previously serving as the team manager of the Men’s Basketball Team, Medina knew of the pressure that came with representing the Blue and White. Consequently, his championship-winning performance in the UAAP esports’ inaugural NBA 2K tournament has surely left its mark as a potential catalyst for a new Blue Eagle era—one that sees excellence in both the physical and virtual world.
In the hundred years of Ateneo’s foray into organized collegiate sports, the concept of brotherhood imbued by its predecessors is still being fostered by the athletes of this generation, whether in traditional or virtual arenas, to guide them every step of the way.
To another century
Forwarding a culture of holistic growth, brotherhood, and excellence, Ateneo has remained to be one of the best breeding grounds for national talent. The program shows no signs of slowing down, as the legacy embodied by the Blue and White remains vibrant and distinct.
Sustaining a legacy with reimagined glory, Ateneo sports looks to carry on the tradition imbued by the University’s dynasty of champions—paving the way for another bright century of legends to come.
