FEU Lady Tamaraws’ Chenie Tagaod during the PVL Rookie Draft Combine. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Chenie Tagaod seeks to live up to the golden standards set by Far Eastern University stalwarts in the pros as she vies for a spot in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft on Sunday at Novotel.

Carrying the Lady Tamaraws’ culture, Tagaod hopes to follow in the footsteps of former FEU standouts who thrived in the PVL, including Bernadeth Pons, Rachel Anne Daquis, Kyle Negrito, Gel Cayuna, Ced Domingo, and Rem Palma.

“What I can offer is to always give my best and apply everything I’ve learned from my time at FEU,” Tagaod told reporters in Filipino during the Draft Combine last week.

“I want to learn even more, especially in the PVL, where there are so many veterans playing. I’m excited to grow as a player and also to apply everything I’ve learned at FEU.”

The all-around outside spiker also hopes to make coach Tina Salak proud. Salak, herself a former PVL player, is set to take over as head coach of Akari.

“She told us, ‘Whatever decision you make, just remember that you’re still part of the team.’ That’s all she said, and I really hope she’ll be proud of us,” said Tagaod, who is eyeing a PVL spot alongside teammates Jean Asis and Ann Monares.

Like her batchmates, Tagaod believes they have already fulfilled their roles at FEU, paving the way for the younger generation to carry on what they started after reaching the Final Four in the past two UAAP seasons and pushing eventual champion National University to the limit before bowing out.

“I have so much trust in the younger players, especially with Coach T coming in. I really believe in the team, and I think there’s a good chance they’ll make the finals next year,” she said.

As she prepares to take a big leap, Tagaod dedicates this bold move to her family—and to herself—as she seeks growth beyond FEU.

“One of the biggest reasons I wanted to join the draft is to help my family. I also want to step out of my comfort zone, which is FEU. I kept wondering what I’d be like without it. I’m so grateful to FEU. There’s nothing more I can say—FEU is FEU. But now I want to move forward, challenge myself, and keep learning outside of my comfort zone,” she said.