Star athlete Apple Eve Saraum (Volleyball)

CEBU, Philippines - As her name implies, she could very well be the apple of your eye. And why not? She is not only gifted with excellent skills in the sport she's so passionate about, but also with stunning good looks that made her one of the pin-up girls in Cebu volleyball.

That is just a parcel of Apple Eve Saraum's long, shining credential.

Aside from showcasing her athletic talents, the 20-year-old Saraum admitted that playing volleyball has also opened her door to a lot of opportunities.

“Volleyball has given me a lot of opportunities. It enables me to go to school for free being a varsity player. I also earn money from the different tournaments I participated in. I won't be able to reach where I am now if not for volleyball," said Saraum.

"It's really a life-changing sport for me. My only wish before was to pursue my studies. Now I felt lucky because I'm able to fulfill my dreams gradually.

Saraum, then studying at Omapad Elementary School, got her first major break when she was chosen to form part of Team Mandaue City that will see action in the Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVIRAA) Meet almost a decade ago.

In high school, she only stayed for two years with Don Gerardo Ouano Memorial National High School as she was recruited by the University of Southern Philippines (USPF) where she carved her own niche in local volleyball scene.

The Electronics Communications Engineering (ECE) student also ventured into beach volley where she readily made her mark. Paired with Erika Camille Verano, they hammered Adamson University Lady Falcons to clinch the women's title of the Nestea Beach Volley National Finals three years ago in Boracay Island.

Saraum and Verano reasserted their dominance by topping the Philippine qualifying for the 1st Asian University Beach Volleyball Tournament last year at the University of the East (UE) in Caloocan City. That earned them a ticket to Asian Finals in China where they managed to reach the quarterfinal round.

“Through volleyball, I was able to travel outside the country. It's alright for us even if we didn't win the title because it's the experience that we’re up to,” said Saraum, winner of various MVP awards in local competitions.

Saraum puts much premium on education and she has some words of wisdom for those who want to emulate her. “As a volleyball player for several years now, I could say that time management is the key element in balancing sports and academics."

"Volleyball is always in my heart, but my ultimate goal is to finish my studies so I could find a decent job and provide better life for my family," said Saraum. (FREEMAN)