by Nestle G. Taala

The CPU  Women’s Softball Team during the 2018 CPU-Bingawan Day.

Athletes, either born or nurtured, begin every step of a game setting the goal into winning. After all, it is because of this so-called victory, why a player or a team works hard before and during the course of the competition. However, what happens after the triumph – after people from the bleachers leave to celebrate one’s victory or mourn for another’s loss? For Central Philippine University Women’s Softball Team, their triumphs for the past years gave them a voice.

Central Philippine University, an institution committed to holistic education, has allocated a portion of its programs for sports development. Hence, the Sports Office under the Vice President for Student Affairs was established.

Under the said office is the CPU Women’s Softball Team in which Pastor Kim B. Dela Cruz, its present coach, has become instrumental for its revival in 2008 – 40 years after its last active participation during the 70s. Pastor Kim arrived in the Philippines from the US in 2007. He then worked in CPU Elementary School to help with their spiritual development and as part of their activities; he would bring his personal softball balls and let the kids play in their leisure time. Thereafter, Engr. Walden Rio, former VPSA; Lemuel Gardose, former athletic director; and Coach Roger Banzuela tapped him to rekindle the passion of Western Visayas for softball.

From scratch, Pastor Kim was able to form a team composed of diverse people, brought them to Nationals and unexpectedly, ended up winning bronze on their first game after 40 long years in 2008. It paved the way for the team to strengthen their establishment which is evident until the present day.

“They say, one bad apple spoils the whole barrel.” This has been their principle whenever they recruit new members. Thus, attitude should come first before skill. It is easier to discipline players who are teachable. Moreover, since CPU does not compromise the academic grades of an athlete, the team must learn to balance studies and play. Therefore, in the words of Pastor Kim, the team does not have to practice hard, they have to practice smart. “If the school gives you two hours a day to practice, give everything you have to train these athletes in two hours a day. If you keep them for four, and they don’t learn anything then there’s no reason to do it.”

On their recent participation in the National PRISAA 2019 in Davao representing Western Visayas, the team experienced a slight change in their schedule which affected their training. Were they nervous? Of course. Pastor Kim shared, “I was taught long time ago, if there are butterflies in your stomach it can either be a good thing or a bad thing. Actually, it’s a good thing because it’s a chemical reaction you have in your body for preparing. And you always have to prepare for the unknown.” He added that with hard work coupled with prayers, “the outcome would speak for itself.” Hence, the 8-peat Championship since 2008 up to 2019.

For the team, this is not something to boast about. With their outstanding record and recent win, they get people’s attention and they are given a chance to become a voice – an opportunity to share God with other people through their lives. They go out and conduct sports clinics all over Western Visayas as their outreach program.

As a coach of the team for over the decade, Pastor Kim shared that he dreams that one day his “players would become coaches and play against each other.” Kidding aside, he looks forward to establish a softball team in elementary and in high school and they will be the next generation that will go out and share how to play where God is the first priority.

In behalf of the team, Pastor Kim thanked the following people: his family, parents, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, Dr. Acanto, Engr. Rio, Sir Gardose, Coach Roger, Atty. Somo, Rev. Gico, Sir Laru-an, Sir Gibbs, Ma’am Ella and all the CPU faculty and staff who all played an integral part in the team’s development as they continue to a meaningful impact in the field of sports.