UAAP MVP Dawn Nicole Macandili: ‘Hard work beats talent’

Meet Dawn Nicole Macandili, the celebrated UAAP Season 80 Women’s Volleyball Finals MVP from De La Salle (the three-peat champion), who turned sweet 22 last May 31.

Macandili was the first libero in the Philippines to receive an MVP award in the 2016 Philippine Super Liga All-Filipino Conference. She is also the first libero to win a Finals MVP award in the UAAP. She was hailed as the 2nd best libero in the 2017 Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship where she played for the Philippine team.

The Philippine Star: When did you start playing volleyball? 

Dawn Macandili: I started playing when I was 11, a fifth grader at De La Salle Lipa. At first, I was a spiker for the grade school team because my teammates were almost the same height as me. When I was 13, I moved up to the high school team of De La Salle Zobel. I played the libero position as my height wouldn’t suffice anymore. Our coach in the high school team was Ramil de Jesus. I, being a Lasallian at heart, could not imagine studying anywhere else but DLSU. Another big factor was that coach Ramil is a great mentor and has produced elite players. I thought that if I was going to play in college. I was gonna play for him. 

What were the early challenges and how did you overcome them?

I think the biggest challenge was my commitment to the sport. I started playing volleyball for fun and just to pass time. At first, I questioned why everyone was so serious about playing volleyball. I felt the pressure and got nervous whenever I would play but in the long run, I slowly started to understand why they were so serious. It was because we were not just playing, it was way more than that. There were different elements that contribute to a successful team. I learned that throughout my collegiate career. 

Who do you consider as your greatest mentors?

All of my coaches contributed in some way in my journey. Some coaches taught me the basics, technicalities, and techniques in the sport while others taught me values and heart in playing. 

What makes a good libero?

A good libero would have to be selfless. Since volleyball is a team sport, a libero must accept that she will never score a point and that is okay. Even though we are not offensive players, just being part of that play is fulfilling in itself.

What role does physical conditioning play in improving your game? How often do you work out?

Physical condition plays a vital role in an athlete’s preparation for a game. It is also a way to prevent injuries. The team has a planned calendar for working out, strengthening, etc. depending on the game schedule. 

How about nutrition and diet? What works for you?

Coach definitely prohibits junk food and drinks. We are encouraged to carbo load before our game and eat light after a game.

What rest and recovery strategy do you follow?

I need have at least eight hours of sleep. I rest as much as possible when I have free time or do strengthening workout. If my muscles are too tight, I go to our PT and have a release session. When possible, I also get a whole body massage.

What are the three best life lessons you have learned from volleyball?

There’s no “I” in team. Patience is a virtue. Hard work beats talent.

What are the three tips you can give young aspiring athletes who look up to you?

There is always room for improvement, never settle. Don’t give up just because it gets hard. Just look back and see how far you’ve gone. Always live in the moment but think about how it will affect your future because these are the decisions that matter. 

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Post me a note at mylene@goldsgym.com.ph or mylenedayrit@gmail.com.