By Eleana Mishael Quizon
This year has been a defining chapter in the story of the UA&P Firestarters—a season defined by unwavering perseverance, unbreakable unity, and unquenchable fire. As the current Team Captain and the only remaining member who has competed in all three consecutive WNCAA* Cheerleading Competition championships, I have had the privilege of witnessing our team grow and experiencing how true strength unfolds when we come together for a shared goal.
Being thrust into the role of captain at a young age was both a privilege and a formidable challenge. From the outset, I understood that the responsibilities of this position went beyond the technical aspects of training. Leadership required me to be present not only during our team’s highest moments but also through our most challenging days. It involved creating space for frustrations, offering guidance amidst uncertainty, and, above all, believing in one another, even when giving up seemed like the easier option.
This season, our team faced numerous challenges both on and off the mat. We confronted the intense physical demands of our training, dealt with our struggles, and navigated moments of doubt. Despite it all, we focused on what mattered most: proudly representing our school with honor and giving our best in every performance. Securing our third consecutive championship at the WNCAA Cheerleading Competition was a profoundly fulfilling achievement. It was not just about claiming the title; it was the culmination of our relentless effort, sacrifice, and unwavering team commitment. It represented the countless hours and the blood, sweat, and tears we poured into every routine, knowing that all our hard work would come down to just a few minutes in front of the judges. It was those moments that defined us, and everything we endured led us to that point.
Photos of the recent WNCAA Cheerleading Competition from The Bosun.
This season was made even more unforgettable by our participation in the Ocean Cheerleading Championship in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, marking our team’s first international competition in 10 years. The preparation for this significant milestone was no small task, but the opportunity to represent not only our university but also our country on an international stage was both humbling and exhilarating.
Traveling as a team, stepping onto that international stage together, and competing alongside teams from across Asia was an experience we will cherish for the rest of our lives. It strengthened our bond and expanded our understanding of what we could accomplish together. Competing on the international stage and bringing home two titles was a deeply fulfilling conclusion to our season. This achievement marked a historic moment for our team, reminding us that with dedication, there is no such thing as impossible.
What stands out most to me, however, is not the titles but the transformation. Each team member grew not only as an athlete but also as a person. We learned how to trust, lead, follow, and support each other no matter what challenges we encountered—sometimes quite literally. The challenges we faced could have broken us, but they shaped us into a more resilient, more unified, and more relentless team.
Reflecting on this journey, I am filled with gratitude for the privilege of leading this group, for our unforgettable year, and all the memories we now share. This season was not just about winning; it was about proving to ourselves that we are bigger than we think and that we can rise together.
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to UA&P, our coaches, alumni, and our family and friends for their unwavering support throughout this journey, which made everything we achieved possible.
To my teammates, thank you for your relentless effort, heart, and for giving it your all. I would not have wanted this season any other way—every moment, every challenge, and every victory was worth it. This season, you all truly brought the fire, all for the red and gold. This year, we did not just make history. We built a legacy. And as we move forward, one thing is certain: The flame that built us will not burn out—it will only burn brighter from here.
*The Women’s National Collegiate Athletic Association (WNCAA), founded in 1970, is the only tri-level league in the country.
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