2 days ago
Coach Aris Dimaunahan pays tribute to late Ashlyn Abong, vows to keep her legacy alive
National University's Aris Dimaunahan on Monday was recognized as the Collegiate Press Corps UAAP Women's Basketball Coach of the Year, but the champion tactician redirected the spotlight to late player Ashlyn Abong.
Dimaunahan honored Abong, who recently passed away during training, as he hopes to continue the legacy she left behind.
"Thank you for taking time na ma-recognize 'yung nabigay niya sa basketball at a very young age. It's a very difficult week for us, we lost a beloved one, a sister, a teammate," Dimaunahan said during his heartfelt speech at the Discovery Suites.
"She brought life, joy, tenacity, intensity in whatever she did sa court."
The 18-year-old Abong was a rising star in women's basketball, having played for NU-Nazareth School in the UAAP and Gilas Pilipinas Youth national team.
Though Abong is no longer around, Dimaunahan said NU and the wider basketball community will carry her legacy forward in every way they can.
"She represented our school very well. We are grieving differently. Some of our players decided to be left behind here in the country as the rest of the team is continuing with our international trip in Taiwan," Dimaunahan added.
"We're grieving and we are bringing Ashlyn Abong's love for the game every time we play moving forward. Dadalhin namin kung anong saya ang binibigay niya sa amin."
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
