Above the Net_Episode 1

Summary

In this inaugural episode of 'Above the Net,' host AC interviews FEU Tamaro Spikers, Miko Espartero and Cedric 'Dricks' Savedra. They discuss the pressure of playing in front of large crowds, how the support from fans and family motivates them, and their experience handling negative criticism in the spotlight. Both players share advice for aspiring athletes, emphasizing dedication, self-belief, and consistency in improving. The episode concludes with a fun, rapid-fire game, showcasing the players' personalities beyond the court.

Takeaways

• 😀 FEU Tamaro Spikers secured their first UAAP volleyball title in season 9 (1946-1947) and won 12 consecutive championships from 1946 to 1957, the longest streak in UAAP men's volleyball history.
• 😀 As of UAAP Season 75, FEU Tamaro Spikers have won a total of 25 UAAP volleyball titles.
• 😀 The guests on the podcast are Miko Espartero and Cedric 'Drick' Savedra, both of whom are players for the FEU volleyball team.
• 😀 The atmosphere and crowd support play a huge role in motivating players, especially when the FEU community cheers during matches.
• 😀 Drick and Miko both mention that the energy from the crowd boosts their morale and helps them perform better during games.
• 😀 Miko shares that he is especially motivated by the chants of the FEU supporters and feels a surge of confidence whenever he hears them.
• 😀 Both players acknowledge that family support and a large fan base are motivating factors, but they focus on doing their best regardless of the crowd size.
• 😀 The athletes discuss how criticism and negative comments from the public are part of being in the spotlight, but they handle it by focusing on what they can control and using it as motivation.
• 😀 Miko avoids reading negative comments on social media, as he believes they can be a distraction and does not want them to affect his mindset.
• 😀 Drick advises aspiring athletes to always give 100% effort every day, striving for continuous improvement, and not to be discouraged by setbacks.
• 😀 Miko emphasizes the importance of believing in yourself and staying patient, as success comes with time and dedication, especially in sports like volleyball.

Q & A

What is the significance of FEU Tamaro Spikers' achievement in the UAAP volleyball history?

The FEU Tamaro Spikers secured their first UAAP volleyball title in season 9 (1946-1947), and they achieved an impressive streak of 12 consecutive championships from 1946 to 1957. This remains the longest consecutive championship streak in UAAP men's volleyball history. As of UAAP season 75, they have accumulated a total of 25 titles.

How does the support of the FEU community affect the players during games?

The players, like Drick and Miko, express that the cheers and chants from the FEU community during games build momentum and boost their morale. Hearing the crowd's support energizes them, motivating them to perform at their best.

Do the players hear the crowd during games, or do they focus solely on the game itself?

Yes, the players can hear the crowd during the game. Miko mentioned that despite being focused on the game, the cheers from the FEU community, especially the chants, boost his confidence and performance.

Does the presence of a large crowd add pressure to the players to perform well?

The players do not feel pressured by the crowd; instead, they feel motivated by the support. Both Drick and Miko emphasized that the presence of the community encourages them to give their best, making them want to perform well for their supporters.

How do the players react when there are no spectators at their games?

Drick explained that during his first year, when there were no spectators, he still focused solely on the game. Miko also stated that they haven't really experienced playing without any spectators, as the FEU community is always present to support them.

How do the players handle criticism, especially negative comments from others outside their team?

Both Drick and Miko mentioned that they try to ignore negative comments and focus on what they can control. Drick discussed how they talk as a team about handling external criticism, while Miko shared that he doesn't read negative comments on social media, understanding that some things are beyond his control.

How do the players manage their presence on social media, given their popularity in the community?

Miko mentioned that although there was a suggestion for him to create a Twitter account to hype himself up, he tried it and found it boring, so he doesn't engage much on social media. Drick also shared that he avoids reading comments on Facebook, especially when the team loses, to avoid the negative feedback.

What advice do the players have for aspiring athletes who want to follow in their footsteps?

Drick's advice to aspiring athletes is to always give 100% and continuously aim to improve, even if it's just 1% every day. Miko emphasized the importance of believing in oneself, being patient, and loving the sport to achieve one's dreams.

How do the players keep their motivation high during tough moments in their careers?

Both players stay motivated by focusing on the support from their community, their teammates, and their passion for the game. Drick highlighted that his goal is to make the FEU supporters proud, while Miko draws strength from the chants and support from the FEU community, especially his family.

What is the significance of the 'fast play' segment in the podcast, and how did the players respond to it?

The 'fast play' segment is a quick-fire round where players are asked to choose between two options. It serves as a fun and light-hearted part of the podcast, allowing the players to show their preferences and personalities. The players, Drick and Miko, answered various questions with enthusiasm, such as preferring 'morning training' or 'night training,' 'serve' or 'kill block,' and 'game-winning spike' or 'game-winning block.'