Team
Moving past a disappointing conclusion to their Season 79 campaign, the Lady Eagles are locked in for another shot at the collegiate football trophy. A stellar preseason has played a key factor in rebuilding, and the members of the Women’s Football Team seek to keep their form throughout the season.
Team Captain
Nona Amoncio
Down to the last stretch of her career on the collegiate pitch, seasoned footballer Nona Amoncio wears the armband as the new team captain. The versatile midfielder will call the shots both on and off the field, directing play from the middle-third of the pitch in the Lady Eagles’ conquest for the trophy.
“On the field, I think we always have to really work as a team, and off the field, we have to work on our relationship also. For sure, there is discipline [involved].”
Mariane Caparros
Gaining the voice of leadership in her senior year, veteran Mariane Caparros has been selected as co-captain and will start in goal for the Lady Eagles. Having featured as the primary goalkeeper in the two previous seasons, Caparros will use experience and familiarity to her advantage this year.
Jolly Catedrilla
Despite developing nicely into her niche at the heart of the Ateneo backline, Jolly Catedrilla will now be deployed deep in the midfield. The defensive player will be a crucial cog in the center of the park, positioned to break up opposition play and engineer attacks from the back as well.
Icee Calimbo
Colegio San Agustin-Makati graduate Icee Calimbo dons the Ateneo kit as a new weapon in the team’s arsenal, looking to add silverware to the trophy cabinet in her first season. The towering center-back will provide stability and aerial presence to the Lady Eagles’ backline, halting attacks with her physical play.
Jill Panganiban
A product of the De La Salle Zobel football program, rookie Jill Panganiban earns a pivotal role for the Lady Eagles as a new face on the left-wing. Blessed with the ability to spark runs down the flank, dribble out of tight spaces, and cross from wide positions, Panganiban will definitely boost the team’s offense.
Coach’s Corner
Jaypee Merida
Serving as the Head Coach of the Lady Eagles for the second year, Jaypee Merida hopes that the preseason will be a sign of greater things to come. Despite a number of setbacks including long-term injuries to key veterans, Merida is optimistic about the prospects of the new season.
“I’m happy because [the players] really gel well with each other, and every time we train, they [improve]. What’s important this season is to be consistent.”
