Looking back on her early years with De La Salle University Lady Spikers, you would know that Mika Reyes was more than just a team player. Not only was she recognized as the Best Attacker at the 2013 PVF Intercollegiate Volleyball Championship and Most Valuable Player in 2015, Mika was also part of the team that led the DLSU Lady Spikers to their UAAP Seasons 74, 75, and 78 championships. It’s safe to say that this young champion is one of the industry’s aces.
Mika continues to prove that she is one of the most inspiring women to look up to as she becomes a part of the national team to represent the Philippines at the women’s volleyball tournament in the Asian Games. From a generation of college athletics enthusiasts, she continues to inspire many to achieve what seems to be unattainable.
“It’s a really big opportunity talaga na napasama ako dito. Ang daming gustong makapaglaro for the national team and it’s a privilege na napasama ako dito.” But Mika’s dream wasn’t for herself but for the country’s future in athletics. “Kumbaga, yung Gilas, established na sila. So hopefully kami rin. [Sana] makakuha rin kami ng support na ganun kalaki para one day maging established na kami.”
Female athleticism is only starting to grow in the hearts of sports enthusiasts and spectators alike. Unlike basketball and football, women have yet to dominate the front pages of broadsheets and become headliners in the industry. But Mika is proud to be one of the women that represent the country in the international league. “I think good thing din na as a girl, nasa sports tayo. Like kaya natin gawin kung anong kaya nila. Hindi tayo namamaliit. Hindi tayo lampa.” But her hopes for her sport doesn’t end there. Mika wishes more recognition for male volleyball players as well. “Hopefully pati yung men’s volleyball makilala kasi hindi sila nabibigyan masyado ng attention.”
It would be an understatement to say that Mika was just a volleyball player but still the athlete humbles herself to this level. “Proud ako na naa-appreciate ng tao yung efforts ko kahit volleyball player lang ako. Yung mga supporters ko nandiyan pa rin sila for me kahit graduate na ako,” she shares. Following Mika’s growth through the years, it is also evident that this athlete won’t stop at winning in sports. She has now also dabbled in the franchising industry, creating more opportunities for herself outside athletics.
Mika—a breadwinner, a team player, an ace—have long been showing her followers and a generation that hard work does pay off. With the right mindset and a humble heart, she continues to grow in the fields she ventures in. And there’s more to anticipate from Mika Reyes and the Philippine women’s volleyball team, allowing their story to reach and inspire generations and soon, a nation.
Navy suit by Massimo Dutti, Lace bustier by Erwin Flores, Black trousers by Zara
Makeup by Don De Jesus
Hair by Ja Feliciano using Bosely Professional