Prologue

a call for revival
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​"Class dismissed. Bring your requirements tomorrow, okay?"

"Yes, Ma'am," sagot naming lahat.
 
After three classes, tapos na rin sa wakas ang araw ko. Kaninang umaga ko pa gustong maglibot sa campus kaya naman isa ako sa mga naunang lumabas sa room. I wanted to see the different sports club, specifically, that one.
 
I immediately marched into the Gymnasium and went straight to the faculty room at the far end. Pagpasok ko roon ay ang daming estudyante rin ang nagtatanong tungkol sa iba't ibang sports team. It was not that surprising since this school was known for having strong teams when it comes to different kinds of sports, especially volleyball and tennis. Last year, both teams got the championship and this year, there were rumors that they have a stronger line-up compared before.
 
"Excuse me," I said, catching the attention of a professor. "May I know who the adviser of the basketball team is?"
 
Pagkasabi ko no'n ay napatingin sa direksyon ko ang mga nakarinig. They stared at me as if I said something wrong.
 
"Uhm, wala nang basketball team ang Orven University," sabi niya at tinitigan ko lang siya. "They got disbanded last year because all of the remaining members quit."
 
His statement was followed by an awkward silence and those who heard our conversation gave uncomfortable expressions.
 
"I know that," I said, much to his surprise.

"Then why are you . . ."

"I'm here to re-establish the basketball team," I firmly announced.

"Wha—"

"So, can you please tell me who's in charge of the basketball team before, Sir?"
 
He looked so stunned after what I said, and I even heard some students talking about how crazy my idea was, but I didn't budge. I only have one goal.
 
Tinuro naman niya agad sa akin ang cubicle ng dating adviser kaya agad akong pumunta roon.
 
"Good afternoon, Sir," bati ko at tumingin sa akin ang isang middle-aged man.
 
His black, shaggy hair covered one of his solemn eyes. Exhaustion was evident on his face.
 
"Yes? Anong kailangan mo?"

"I need a registration form and a recommendation from the previous adviser to get the basketball club back."
 
Gaya ng prof na nakasalubong ko kanina ay nagulat din siya sa sinabi ko. Ilang segundo pa akong naghintay bago siya magsalita pero imbes na sagutin ako ay humila siya ng isang upuan at pinaupo niya ako sa harapan niya.
 
"Are you serious? The basketball team is already disbanded."

"Of course, I am, Sir." Tinignan ko siya nang seryoso dahil sa sinabi niya. Ano pang ginagawa ko rito kung sa tingin niya ay hindi ako seryoso sa sinabi ko? Hindi naman ako mukhang nagjo-joke.

"Miss, it's not that easy," he started. "The basketball team of this university is known for being weak, that's why nobody wants to enter the team." For a second, his eyes glinted in pain. "Last year, the remaining members were only the seniors and after losing their first game, they retired and their underclassmen decided to quit."
 
Yeah. I heard about that incident before I chose this university. Orven was once famous for being one of the elite basketball teams but that was two decades ago. They had a set of outstanding players who led their team to the top. That was their golden age. However, after that era, the team's ability declined steadily until they disappeared from the elite circle. And last year, they hit rock bottom. The team disbanded and nobody decided to stay.
 
"Isa pa, wala na rito ang coach ng basketball team. Wala na ring players. Wala ring silbi kung mag-apply ka bilang manager."
 
Napataas naman ang kilay ko sa sinabi niya.
 
"Who said I am going to apply as the manager?"
 
He looked at me in confusion, unsure if he heard me right. After a few seconds, his eyes widened.
 
"Then what exactly are you applying for? Don't tell me . . ."
 
I entered this school because of its current situation. One more thing, I promised them that I would show my abilities in basketball. Sa katunayan, bago ako pumasok dito ay naghanap na ako ng players na pwede kong makuha. Hindi nga ako makapaniwala na dito pumasok ang iba. Thinking about forming a team with them and leading them in games made me look forward to meeting them.
 
Tumayo ako sa harapan niya at agad na pinakilala ang sarili ko.
 
"I'm Servienne Nasha Gomez and I want to be the coach of the new basketball team," I announced and even though he already had an idea, he was still dumbfounded.
 
I only have one goal, and that is to revive the former glory of this school. Just like what my father did twenty years ago.
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Chapter 1 >>

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