Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Far Eastern University will be retiring Rachel Anne Daquis’ jersey number 3, the school announced on its official Facebook account on Tuesday.
“Rachel was more than just a great player in FEU, she was the first superstar in UAAP Women’s Volleyball when the league became mainstream 10 years ago because of TV coverage,” FEU Athletic Director Mark Molina said in the post.
“She actually became a bigger star after her time as a student-athlete because she continues to excel in the commercial leagues and captained several national teams, while also having a good career in modeling. For all her accomplishments, Rachel remains humble and driven just like when she first arrived in FEU to try out for a spot in the team,” Molina added.
Retiring a player’s number means no other athlete in the same school would wear a jersey bearing the same number.
The 28-year-old Daquis played a crucial part in the the Lady Tamaraws UAAP campaign from 2004 to 2009. She steered the Morayta-based squad to a volleyball title in Season 70.
Daquis will join basketball legends Johnny Abarrientos (No. 14) and Arwind Santos (No. 19) in the elite list of FEU sports legends whose jerseys hang from the rafters of the school gym.
She is also the second female volleyball player to get the distinction after De La Salle University’s Manilla Santos — whose No. 14 jersey was retired at the Enrique M. Razon Sports Center.
The retirement ceremony will be held during the upcoming Season 79 volleyball season.
