Player Profile Series: Ysabela Bakabak’s shift from pen to play

Ysa Bakabak defied the usual path taken by many sports journalists.

While others often turned to reporting after unfulfilled dreams of becoming professional athletes, Bakabak managed to pursue both—breaking into the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) as middle blocker for the Akari Chargers while she continued her role as a sports writer for The Lasallian, De La Salle University’s official student publication.

The 22-year-old stood out not just for her height and skill on the court but for her ability to balance athletics, journalism, and academics.

Bakabak had been part of the DLSU Lady Spikers’ training pool but was never officially fielded in collegiate leagues. Despite the limited exposure and absence of high-profile playing experience, she took a bold step by joining the inaugural PVL draft.

Her name was not called during the draft, but she remained undeterred. She later reflected that she wasn’t discouraged, understanding that teams might have prioritized players with greater public visibility. 

She believed that her lack of collegiate play limited her exposure, but not her potential. Confident in her abilities, she trusted that she could succeed at the professional level and expressed gratitude that Akari recognized that and signed her as a free agent.

Her signing with Akari marked a significant turning point, especially after overcoming challenges in her athletic journey. 

She shared that while she hadn’t been able to play competitively during college, she remained thankful for the opportunities she had received—especially the chance to train under long-time DLSU head coach Ramil de Jesus. She also credited her courage and persistence in continuing to pursue volleyball despite setbacks.

Even as she adjusted to life in professional volleyball, she remained committed to her academic pursuits. 

Bakabak was a fourth-year Psychology student at La Salle when she got signed and she was also preparing to enter medical school within the next one or two years. 

The 5-foot-8 middle blocker shared that her ability to manage these commitments came from being highly organized. She planned her schedule two weeks in advance and carefully balanced training, writing, and studying.

Despite the pressure of wearing multiple hats, she remained clear on her goals. She aimed to grow into a reliable performer for Akari while continuing to develop as a journalist. Though medicine remained her long-term career plan, she acknowledged that her writing background could serve as a potential alternative path, depending on how things unfolded.

In her words and actions, Bakabak embodied resilience, discipline, and versatility. Whether she ends up in a hospital, a newsroom, or on the volleyball court, her diverse experiences laid a strong foundation for wherever her future takes her.