Starting off strong.
This is what freshman Brys Fuggan has done to kick off her debut season as a Fighting Maroon after capturing Rookie of the Year honors in UAAP Season 88 — a laurel that rested atop the UP Women’s Badminton Team’s second runner-up season finish on Wednesday, Oct. 22, at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall.
As the sole recipient of an individual award for State U, the young stunner from the Diliman-based squad was driven with a purpose that went beyond herself to claim such a feat.
A star is born
Even before setting foot in UP, the soon-to-be Fighting Maroon was already walking down a path destined for greatness.
Coming from a family with an athletic background, Brys immediately stood out amongst her peers during her elementary days in Gingergrace Academe in Angono, Rizal.
As a consistent student-athlete, the Rizal-based native represented Region IV-A during Palarong Pambansa 2019, where she took gold in the Secondary Level-Singles Division.
She would soon be granted a scholarship at Arellano University in 2022, marking her start in the juniors division of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), bannering the Chiefs.
After taking a stint at the juniors’ team of San Sebastian College-Recoletos with fellow UP rookie Krissa De Leon, it didn’t take long for Fuggan to shine at the collegiate level of the UAAP.
The 20-year-old hotshot came out of the gates swinging with a sweeping debut performance against fellow newcomer Key Fuerte, 21-17, 21-14, in UP’s 4-1 thrashing of Adamson University to open the season.
Banking on a hot start, Fuggan started to collect names in succession, taking wins from La Salle’s Kim Lagare, University of Santo Tomas’ Christine Dorega and National University’s Hailene Diaz en route to the team’s four-game winning streak.
By the end of eliminations, the Rizal native had notched a 4-1 singles record, only dropping a lone singles match against veteran Althea Ocampo in State U’s defeat against Ateneo.
In the Final Four stage against National University, the rookie stood tall for the Diliman-based squad but was met with a tough straight-sets defeat at the hands of Ysabel Amora in their first singles match, 10-21, 20-22.
In an attempt to reclaim her honor with their pairing of UAAP Season 87 MVP Thea Gonzales, the duo fought valiantly yet still fell at the doubles bout against Hailene Diaz and Alhana Mabale, 18-21, 16-21, pushing the series to a deciding match.
But the efforts of the Maroon freshman did not go unnoticed as the team went on to win the Battle for Third against the University of Santo Tomas to secure bronze with a commanding 3-0 victory, while Fuggan bagged the Rookie of the Year award alongside UST’s Hanie De Jesus.
In her interview with Tinig ng Plaridel, Brys admitted to being completely taken aback at getting an award for this season.
“Masarap sa feeling, [pero] una sa lahat, hindi ko po talaga siya in-expect,” she said with glee.
Instead of focusing on individual glory, she recalled focusing on contributing to the team in every way she could and repaying the trust they gave.
“Ang mindset ko lang talaga this UAAP is parang kailangan ko makakuha ng one point for the team para mag-payoff ‘yong hardwork namin,” she added.
She emphasized the efforts and sacrifices her team has endured, especially with injuries, as Brys herself is still nursing knee and ankle issues.
Driven for more
Upon receiving the award, Brys dedicated the trophy to her parents, who she said have helped her reach this far. “Una ko po [dine-dedicate] talaga ‘to is ‘yong parents ko, syempre ‘yong support nila na para makarating ako rito at makapag training ng maayos.”
She also took inspiration from her graduating seniors who have guided her since her arrival at State U, notably team captain Kimy Lao, whose farewell season abruptly ended due to an injury from their game against La Salle.
“Talagang sila ‘yong nag-inspire sakin to do more, to do better each game. Kailangan ko talaga ipakita sa kanila na inaalay ko sa kanila ‘yong laro na ‘to lalo na ‘yong iba po sa amin is [on their] final year na,” she said.
Having a taste of the podium finish and a ROTY slate to boot, the young Fighting Maroon has nowhere to go but up in the future.
“Expect more next year,” the standout said.
After marking a debut season to remember, she looks to go beyond her limits come Season 89, determined to spell the difference as the Fighting Maroons look to claim lost glory.
“Talagang ngayong naranasan ko na ‘yong feeling na nasa UAAP, mas gutom pa ‘ko sa upcoming [seasons] next year,” Brys ended with a smile.
