Winning in Losing

by Danela Althea Añonuevo of Grade 8-Creative

This year, wearing jersey #12, I started my volleyball journey with lots of challenges and surprises, from attending tryouts to being part of the team, having intense after-class training, playing hard, winning, losing and ultimately, knowing the true meaning of winning.

Being able to play outside the campus, every game has truly been a winning experience. Our team’s routine as we approach each game and head to the game venue would include praying the Rosary, sharing stories of how the whole school week went, reminding ourselves of the game plan and singing in the traffic. Entering the grandiose gates and competing against prestigious schools like De La Salle-Zobel, Assumption, International School – Manila, Brent, and British School – Manila had been humbling experiences that lifted my Childean spirit, knowing that we represent the name of the school etched on our jersey.

Our most recent game in ISSA with Assumption Antipolo has been the highlight of my whole volleyball stint. We had mixed emotions knowing that our last game in the semis would be held at the opponent’s yard. Believe it or not, it was a test of courage for me, thinking that everything would be on the opponent’s advantage –  their school, their volleyball court, their comfort zone and of course, their audience. And yes, the day came. Feelings of excitement, fear, sadness had come all-together, knowing that it was going to be my last game in the middle school, and with game face on, we had to play hard for CJPS. It was an “athlete feel” as we saw everyone turning their heads, greeting us with warm smiles and a friendly look. Everyone else was busy training in their sophisticated and intimidating sports gym facilities. We were given a chance to get into their team dugout, with lockers and individual showers. which served as our home base for the given time. I composed myself inside and contemplated as it felt like I was just a home away from CJPS. I gave a sigh of relief when I realized my first impression was wrong because everyone was actually nice.

We fought hard that day but not all games are a spectacular win. Yes, we lost to Assumption Antipolo and just like any other team, we cried as the game ended. Frustration and disappointment flooded me and as the officials told us to shake hands with the members of the team which defeated us, we pat our opponents’ backs and said, “Nice game”. Unexpectedly, “Titen”, who wore jersey #13, their captain ball, gave me a gentle pat and said that we did great. I felt relieved. Her genuine remark made me realize that we did not really lose. After the game, we even got the chance to meet new friends, sharing the same interest and love for volleyball. We added each other on our FB and IG accounts, and of course, we took selfies with our phones.

Indeed, I won new friends. And, true enough, we have grown more not from victories but from setbacks. If winning is God’s reward then losing is how He teaches us. From then on, I learned the true meaning of winning and I am proud to say we won!