Rising Filipina volleyball player Mhicaela “Bella” Belen became the first-ever player from the National University (NU) to have her jersey number retired during the school’s pep rally for the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88.
Belen wore jersey No. 4 throughout her career as a Lady Bulldog in the popular inter-university sports association in the Philippines.
The 23-year-old standout played for National University for 11 years, winning five championships in high school.
The women’s volleyball national team member also led her team to three UAAP titles at the collegiate level before turning professional earlier this year.
National U athletics director Otie Camangian said that Belen’s achievements showed the importance of having volleyball grassroots programmes in the country.
“It is a testament that grassroots programmes in the UAAP really matter. She does not perform only on the court, but also off the court.
“She is a true embodiment of what a true Nationalian should be. She is well-rounded in terms of athletics, academics, and behaviour. She is very rare,” Camangian added.
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Belen honoured by recognition
Bella Belen admitted during the pep rally held at the SM Mall of Asia on Thursday that she was shocked that NU retired her jersey but at the same time grateful for the recognition.
The former Lady Bulldog stressed that she is very happy that she has already reached this point in her growing volleyball career.
Belen is only the third volleyball player in the UAAP to have her jersey number retired.
De La Salle University retired Manilla Santos’ jersey No.14 in 2009 for helping her team achieve four consecutive championships in the athletic tournament.
Meanwhile, Far Eastern University also immortalised Rachel Anne Lopez Daquis’ jersey No.3 for leading the school to several championships and finals appearances.
Belen set to make pro debut
The rising star became the top overall pick during the Premier Volleyball League Rookie Draft last June. She was drafted by the Capital1 Solar Spikers.
However, Belen did not play for her team during the 2025 PVL On Tour and PVL Invitational tournaments due to her commitments with the national team.
Volleyball fans are now anticipating her debut in the professional volleyball scene in the upcoming 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference, expected to start in October.
The Philippine National Volleyball Federation has already allowed national team players to return to their respective mother teams after the end of major volleyball tournaments.
“It’s my first time to play in the PVL. I guess I’m the only one who hasn’t played in the PVL. I’m very excited to show what Capital1 has worked on,” Belen told reporters.
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