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Nica Celis aims to helm Fighting Maroons' escape from bottom spot
Leading a flock of talent-rich individuals would have been an easy task for a captain, but for someone guiding a team that is attempting to break into the Final Four of the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Tournament, it would be a handful task.
It has been 43 years since the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons Women’s Volleyball Team emerged as victors in the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Tournament. It would seem like a punch to the moon to even reach the Final Four as the squad last made it in 2017.
It was a reminder for the newly-minted captain Dannica Celis that the trophy has been elusive for the Maroon school for four decades as their best-place finish has consistently been third.
As captain, Celis emphasizes that winning one game at a time is more important than reaching the Final Four. She acknowledges the long-standing gap since their championship win, and while it serves as motivation, her team's current approach is centered on gradual improvement and individual growth that will contribute to collective success.
“We are not trying to focus on the big picture, reaching the Final Four. We are focusing on at least winning the game bit by bit,” Celis said in an interview with Scoreline.ph.
“It serves as a reminder that it's been so long since we last reached the championship, decades. And it could serve as a motivation for the team. But right now, we are not all too focused about being at the top of the toppest. We are just trying to win one game at a time,” she added.
When asked about the team’s rebuilding process, she revealed the flexibility that comes with having experienced multiple coaching changes.
Under the guidance of their new assistant coach Dr. Obet Vital, the team is working on refining skills and revisiting the basics, which she believes are often overlooked in favor of more complex plays. These fundamentals, she explains, are essential to the team's overall development.
As Celis approaches her final year, her focus is not just on individual performance but also on reshaping the team’s culture into something more positive and collaborative.
“I’m focusing on trying to change our culture,” she shared, noting that while she hasn’t considered much about leaving a personal legacy, she aims to leave behind a team that is stronger together, both on and off the court.
Reflecting on the team’s current challenges, Celis recognizes the inconsistencies that have plagued their performance. However, she remains optimistic about the potential for a successful season, especially with the support of new players and the leadership of Coach Boc, who offers more freedom in how the team approaches its strategy.
Regardless of their shortcomings, the 20-year-old middle blocker hopes that the UP Community would support the current efforts of the team. She acknowledged that the Fighting Maroons are hyped at the moment because of the new recruits, but still hopes that they will not be overlooked.
“I hope you guys support the team that will change everything for UP this season so that for next season, it's much better. Because you can't look at the next team while ignoring the current efforts of this team,” stated Celis.
“So, I hope UP will really support us, and I don't really want to leave any expectations because our game will speak for itself,” she concluded.
For Celis, being captain is not about the title but about the responsibility to lead her teammates with a spirit of collaboration and growth. Despite the pressures, she finds joy in the journey, reminding us all that leadership is about being present, making mistakes, and continuously striving for improvement.
