There are many ways a student-athlete could measure success in their career.
Some would say that individual awards define glory. Others would look for a championship, while some would take their growth as a sign of winning beyond what the records could show.
If these were the accolades people look for, Yesha Noceja has already checked them off in her resume.
After a very successful high school stint with the National University Nazareth School (NUNS), the 5-foot-8 spiker aims toward the grandest stage of collegiate volleyball: the UAAP.
But before the roads led her to Diliman, Noceja marched a long and exhausting path towards excellence.
Picking up the dream
Volleyball ambitions for the 18-year-old Luisiana native sparked as early as grade three when she was hanging out with her classmates who were trying out the sport in Mandaluyong Elementary School.
“Nagsimula ako na nagpupulot [lang] ng bola, nakikita ko ‘yung mga kaklase ko naglalaro sila ng volleyball then ako nakikipulot lang ako.”
As her interest grew, her PE teacher, the school’s volleyball coach, encouraged her to train with the team due to her height advantage among her peers.
It did not take long for the young talent to excel as she spiked her way from the local to the national stage, earning a spot in the NCR Team for the 2018 Palarong Pambansa, where she was crowned as Best Attacker.
But sometimes, greatness comes with its set of challenges.
From fourth to sixth grade, Yesha followed her coach to different schools to continue practicing under his wing. This involved hopping to three different schools, trying to learn the ropes in academics, and getting along with her newest teammates.
While everything in her life began to change, one thing remained constant: her family’s support.
“Elementary o high school, kung saan ako magpunta lilipat sila para lang makapanood na kahit [ngayong] nasa Laguna sila, they’re going talaga here para lang manood,” shared the State U rookie.
Reaching the first year of high school, Yesha entered Adamson University where she was supposed to don the Baby Falcons uniform.
However, the young star crossed the streets of Malate to Sampaloc in a heartbeat after being recruited by the NUNS where she made her UAAP Juniors debut.
Yesha representing the NUNS Bullpups. Photo from Yesha Noceja’s Instagram
After finding a new home, Noceja quickly became a core player of the team’s deep roster along with her fellow Bullpups-turned-Fighting Maroons Kianne Olango and Bienne Bansil, as they went on to capture NU’s sixth championship in the girl’s division in Season 85.
With a loaded resume in such an early stage of her career, it was all eyes on where she would be taking her talents to the collegiate level.
As Season 86 concluded, Yesha decided to trade her blue jersey for the shade of Maroon.
Bringing the fight
Within the wake of a lackluster Season 86 for UP’s Women’s Volleyball Team, State U enlisted the services of Olango and Noceja to bring more firepower to the rebuilding squad.
It was more than just another team change for Yesha. She was also the first person in their family to study in the country’s premier university.
“Excited sila [family] and proud. Syempre ‘yung mga magulang ko rin kasi hindi rin sila nakapasok ng UP nung time nila, […] so talagang masaya sila,” she added.
Amid being one of the youngest additions in a tenured UP lineup, the 18-year-old did not have any problems jiving with the team, especially during their pre-season campaign at the Shakey’s Super League Pre-Season Championship 2024.
Her prowess came out on full display during their close match against Far Eastern University, where Yesha unloaded 10 points on top of a 71% positive reception rate.
As she bonded more with the older players, she immediately clicked with seniors Niña Ytang and upcoming one-and-done blocker Kassy Doering in and out of the court.
“Sobrang gaan po sa pakiramdam. ‘Di ko alam parang ‘di ko na feel na parang rookie ako, kasi sobrang welcoming ng mga seniors namin, ‘yung mga nakilala namin dito. Very friendly [silang] lahat.”
Yesha with Kassy Doering during the Shakey’s Pre-Season Championship 2024. Photo by Niklas Arriola
Beyond the court, her bond with the two players transcends as they show their ‘ate’ sides, alongside team captain Nica Celis, after their daily training where they would get together in simple ways such as hanging out in their dorms or visiting UP’s iconic food street, Area 2.
With their guidance, the newcomer had no problems adjusting to the balance of training and studies as she maintained laser-focused on her targets coming into the season.
As the start of the UAAP Volleyball season looms, Yesha and the team share one goal for Season 87: ending a nine-season absence in the Final Four stage.
“Of course, makatungtong sa Final Four, ‘yun talaga ‘yung goal talaga namin.”
Aside from this, she has set her sights on going beyond what she is capable of today.
“Gusto ko maalala ng tao na ‘pag spiker ka, ‘di ka lang magaling pumalo, magaling ka rin dumipensa, magaling ka rin mag-block, mag-serve and mag-set. I think gano’n ko gusto maalala na all-around ako.”
With dreams as high as the stars, the sky’s the limit for Yesha.
Editor’s note: The original version of this article was submitted to the Online Journalism class (J117) under Danilo Arao.
