As the 2024 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge and UAAP Season 87 loom on the horizon, National University (NU) faces a formidable challenge that tests the mettle of its volleyball program.
The departure of their esteemed setter Joshua Retamar and senior hitter Nico Almendras has left a significant void, one that the Bulldogs must navigate with resilience and adaptability.
For NU, the loss of Retamar, a two-time UAAP Best Setter, and Almendras, a crucial offensive asset, represents not just the absence of key players but the emergence of new roles that must be filled with precision and poise.
In this critical juncture, the spotlight shines brightly on Jeffe Gallego, a promising homegrown talent, who is stepping up to fill Retamar’s substantial shoes.
Gallego, a rising star in his own right and the reigning UAAP Season 86 Boys Volleyball Finals MVP, is well aware of the gravity of his new role. His candid acknowledgment of the challenge highlights his humility and commitment to the task at hand.
“Hindi madali kunin yung pwesto ni kuya Owa Retamar kasi iba yung laro niya compared sa laro ko,” Gallego admitted. “I think kulang pa yung pinapakita ko sa training and sa laro, kaya mas magpupursigi pa ako sa setting and magd-double time pa.”
His honesty reflects the immense pressure he feels, not just from the expectations of replacing a celebrated player, but also from acclimating to a new system, adjusting to new teammates, and navigating the pressures of collegiate volleyball.
Gallego’s self-awareness and determination signal his readiness to embrace this challenge head-on.
In NU’s debut match at the V-League, Gallego experienced a mix of emotions. Despite the Bulldogs’ victory over the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta in four sets, the match was a trial by fire for the young setter.
“First time ko maglaro sa collegiate na tournament so parang na-overwhelm din kasi mga bagong teammates and [maraming] adjustment kailangan gawin and pressured talaga,” Gallego reflected.
His admission of feeling overwhelmed underscores the transition from high school to collegiate play, where the stakes and intensity are notably higher.
Yet, amid the nervousness and adjustments, Gallego remains optimistic about his development and the future. His focus extends beyond personal growth; he is committed to fostering team cohesion and enhancing the Bulldogs’ collective performance.
“Mag-work din dapat ako hindi lang as an individual, kundi as a team para buo yung team namin and para makuha namin yung gel ng team, para rin maging organized kami,” he emphasized.
Gallego’s dedication to teamwork and organizational cohesion highlights his understanding of the broader goals beyond individual performance.
As NU embarks on its quest for a fifth consecutive UAAP title, the team’s success will hinge not only on the prowess of its new players but also on their ability to adapt and gel as a unit.
