MANILA – Kacey Dela Rosa is looking beyond her personal achievements, as she remains focused on bringing a women's basketball championship to Ateneo de Manila University.
Fresh from competing at the FIBA 3x3 W Series in Mongolia, Dela Rosa received a special citation at the Collegiate Press Corps Awards Night on Monday for her efforts with Gilas Pilipinas Women in 3x3 and 5x5 basketball.
READ: Kacey Dela Rosa to receive special citation at CPC Awards Night
After clinching bronze in UAAP 3x3 basketball last month, the 22-year-old said she is returning for one last season to fight for the blue and white.
Dela Rosa revealed that she has received offers from outside the collegiate ranks, but her priority remains giving her best in her final season with Ateneo.
"Ang goal ko yung hindi umalis ng walang championship. Kahit yung mga offers, hindi ko muna masyadong pinapansin kasi Ateneo muna focus ko for now," the two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player told reporters.
It's been quite the busy year for Dela Rosa, having to balance her duties for Ateneo and Gilas Women alongside her studies.
The 22-year-old was a vital part of the Gilas Women squads that won silver in the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup in April, earned historic wins in the FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifiers and the 3x3 Women's World Cup in March and June.
Despite already making a mark on the international stage, Dela Rosa stays grounded by her goal to lift Ateneo to great heights.
"Iniisip ko lang din kung anong makaka-help sa Ateneo community and sa teammates ko, gusto ko na parang mag-iwan talaga ako ng mabuti at magandang legacy sa Ateneo," she said.
Aside from bringing glory to her school, Dela Rosa is glad to see more support for women's basketball through their recent milestones and achievements.
"It means a lot to me. Not just for me but for the whole country 'di ba? Asian Cup we got the silver medal. Yun din we got to represent the Philippines sa world stage. Sobrang malaking achievement yun for me. You know we got a win pa, so I think Philippine women's basketball is really growing," she said.