Samantha Coyiuto mixes style with philosophy

MANILA, Philippines - It’s no doubt that Samantha Mae Coyiuto’s brand of choice is Adidas. Apart from clothes, she praises the brand philosophy: “Adidas makes these huge famous athletes seem just like us. They not only show athletes winning but struggling to make it to where they are today. The brand sends out a message that any one of us can be a champion.”

One of the Adidas ambassadors featured in the “All-In” campaign two years ago, she continues to advocate the brand’s philosophy. Visiting home for her summer break, she sports the vibrant, on-the-go sportswear of Adidas. As brand ambassador, Samantha continues to personify the All-In, heart-over-head, fueled-by-passion philosophy that Adidas stands for.

Samantha is an upcoming sophomore student at Pomona College, a highly selective liberal arts school in Claremont, California. She finished the semester playing at number two singles and reached the semifinals of the West Regional ITA tournament and the Ojai tournament. She was also part of a 9-7 nail-biting comeback win after trailing 4-7 in the team’s last doubles match.

In addition to school and tennis, Samantha is also the founder of the Are You READy foundation, which helps people reach their dreams through literacy. Samantha was inspired to start the foundation three years ago. Throughout her years of playing tennis, she has witnessed kids working day and night to be the best. “They are the exemplars of living the All-In philosophy. I kept wondering about other kids who didn’t have a racquet. I dreamed of helping them reach their dreams, too,” she says.

Elaborating on the foundation’s vision, Samantha says, “I have been terribly blessed to find this that I love doing in my life and I know that I can’t just stop there. I wanted to help people find their passions. The best way that I think this can happen is through literacy.”

The pilot project of the Are You READy foundation, the Gintong Isip Library, was unveiled last month. In partnership with Habitat for Humanity, the library will serve the families who have been affected by typhoons in barangay Tanza, Navotas. In line with the groundbreaking, Samantha aptly cited a quote from Dr. Seuss: “The more your read, the more you know. The more you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

Samantha brings Adidas (the attire and the All-In philosophy) on and off the court. She has been using Adidas tennis shoes ever since she stared playing at age eight. “It doesn’t feel right when I use any other kind of shoes. I am in love with my Adizero tennis shoes. They’re so light that I feel like I’m 10 times faster on the court. I think Adidas does a great job incorporating sports and fashion,” she says.

Samantha shines as a student, writer, tennis player and a young philantropist. She hopes to one day give other kids the same opportunities she had growing up. She says, “I want to help kids around the country believe that nothing can stop them from being champions.”

Sportswear by ADIDAS, Photos by MARK NICDAO, Styling by LIZ UY, Makeup by PAOLO MARANAN, Hair by JAIME SY