Basketball has always been the number one sport in the country, but the women’s game hasn’t really caught the attention of the general public, until recently.
Even the NBA has taken notice, which is why their JR. NBA program now includes girls, and their numbers grow as the years go by. The NBA has also made it a point to send over WNBA legends to further inspire the next generation that the time for women’s basketball is now!
Our national team, Perlas Pilipinas, has steadily been climbing the standings on the global stage, and with players like Sofia Roman, our rise will continue.
Unfortunately, Sofia isn’t able to play with our team at the moment, because of an injury, but just like all great athletes, she looks to get better and stronger when she heals. It’s interesting to note that Sofia also values her education, a good reminder to the youth that focus on studies is as important as excelling on the hardcourt.
PHILIPPINE STAR: How is the rehab?
SOFIA ROMAN: Rehab is going well. I’m on schedule for making a full recovery, which usually takes 10 months to a year. I will be missing the upcoming tournaments with Perlas this July-September because I won’t be cleared yet, but I’m happy with the progress and look forward to getting back on the court.
How and when did you get the injury?
I got injured in October 2016 at practice. I really think it was a freak accident, because I moved very awkwardly when I tried to block a teammate’s shot. There was no contact and I didn’t even get off the ground, I just know I twisted my knee and felt a shift in it.
What are you looking forward to achieving with Perlas when you get back?
Gold and progress. Philippine women’s basketball has so much potential to be a consistent threat internationally, an Asian powerhouse. Whatever it takes to be able to achieve that — locally, by getting more support for women’s basketball and internationally, by joining more tournaments and training camps — I will not hesitate to be a part of it in any way.
You were recently cited for an award, what was it about?
I recently received the Highest Achievement Award in my graduate program. It was awarded to the person who had the highest cumulative GPA in my masters program. I honestly didn’t even know I was receiving it and think of it more so as a bonus to getting a masters degree. Although I couldn’t play basketball for my school due to injury, I’m happy with my masters degree and the doors it can open for me, whether the opportunities are here in the US, or back home in the Philippines.
How and where were you discovered for Perlas?
I knew in high school that I wanted to play for the Philippines at some point in my life, so I started an email exchange with the previous national team coach at the time, Haydee Ong. During the summer going into my junior year of college, the team had tryouts. I spent 10 days in the Philippines specifically for basketball that summer. After the tryouts, I was informed that I made the team. I played with the national team the following June, during my off-terms from school, in the SEA games and FIBA Asia.
It was an easy decision for me to join the national team because it was always something I dreamed of doing, and it still is. I can’t wait to put on that jersey again, play for my country, and sing the anthem. I know I will in due time.
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