By JOAHNA LEI E. CASILAO
COMMUNICATION ARTS (CA) junior Kassie Gormley is the new game announcer for the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament.
The third-year student told the Flame that she felt “honored and flattered” to be chosen for the position, especially because of her predecessor, Rolly Manlapaz.
“[He] was a legend. […] I do not wish to be better than him or in any way replace him in the hearts and minds of the people. I just want to do my job to the best of my ability. At the end of the day, it’s not about me, it’s about the game,” she said.
Gormley shared that she had been commentating for two years for Beach Volleyball Republic (BVR) and became known through the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) after she anchored and hosted their out-of-town games.
“I had a good relationship with the referees and people in charge. [A]lso, I announced this year for UAAP beach volleyball, so kilala na ako for announcing,” she said.
Gormley said there were no auditions; she was contacted by UAAP two days before the opening day. She admitted that there is added pressure “because it is [the] UAAP.”
“I always follow the advice Boom Gonzales gave me about two years ago. He said, ‘Don’t get too high on the compliments, but don’t get low on bad comments’,” she said.
Gonzales is an ABS-CBN Radio DJ, sportscaster, and reporter.
As an announcer, it will be Gormley’s job to introduce players, explain referee calls, and make sure the audience knows what is going on in order for them to enjoy the game.
“[I]’m adapting to this new style of announcing as the games progress. UAAP is a lot more formal than a BVR tournament or PVL on tour games, so I’m adjusting,” Gormley said, adding that she is hopeful that the adjustment will happen quickly.
The women’s volleyball tournament started on Saturday, Feb. 16, at the FilOil Flying V Arena. The next matches will be between Ateneo and UST, UP and FEU. F
