SHE STOOD courtside through every triumph and heartbreak of UST last season. And when the lights dimmed and the cheers faded, she turned to her medical books, trading adrenaline for discipline.
A stethoscope and a microphone rarely share the same stage, but Casandrah Marie “Chersie” Zulueta chose to fuse the rigor of medical school with the thrill of being UST’s Season 87 courtside reporter.
Now entering her sophomore year in medical school, Zulueta looks back on her UAAP courtside stint, a season that was more than just about reporting games but one of discovering how passion and courage can turn risks into fulfillment.
Best of both worlds
As a first-year med student, Zulueta thought juggling such demanding roles was unrealistic. But a podcast by former vice president Leni Robredo featuring her daughter Tricia, an Ateneo medicine student who used to face the cameras as NU’s correspondent, gave her the final push to give it a try a week before the final audition closed.
“Being a courtside reporter has been one of my biggest dreams ever. Just from watching Angelique Manto before on TV, it was like I had a special connection with courtside reporting,” the 22-year-old Zulueta told The Flame.
“I immediately filmed my application video and submitted it. I just had a no-regrets mindset. I knew I would regret it forever if I didn’t at least try,” she said.
That leap of faith turned into a season of memories with the España-based squad. From witnessing the celebration of players after a victory to commiserating with them after heartbreaks, she found joy in moments that only a few people get to witness behind the scenes.
“It never felt like a job to me because I got to live out one of my biggest dreams ever. After class, it was my routine to drop by [Quadricentennial Pavilion] first to bond with the team before heading home to study,” she said.
Despite the unimaginable challenge of being a medicine student, Zulueta made it work by putting in the extra effort and drawing a clear line between studying and courtside reporting.
“I made it a point to separate my med school life from my UAAP courtside life… If there’s a presentation, I’m locked in as a med student. But on the bus to the arena, I switched my brain. I’d make my reports, think of questions, practice my tone, and live the [courtside reporter] life,” she said.
For Zulueta, who was everywhere and everything all at once, the grind came at a cost. She admitted to sacrificing time with family and friends, even her physical health, just to make it all work. But the courtside became her second home, which offered a breath of fresh air she needed from her studies.
“As ironic it sounds, it was my source of energy. They were my pahinga (rest) and they felt like a family to me,” she said.
More than a job
Zulueta soon realized that courtside reporting was more than standing in front of a camera. She felt that she was part of something bigger than herself.
“I learned so much about myself. I stepped out of my comfort zone in many ways, made the best memories, and built bonds with the players that I will hold dearly forever,” she said.
“Even now, whenever I see them, I give them a hug or have a little catch-up, because it was never just a job for me.”
Zulueta, views every report as something that carries weight, an effort that bears not just stats or spiels, but words that honor athletes’ unseen hours of work and inspire others to chase their dreams.
“There’s so much depth and purpose to the words that you put out as a storyteller… It’s about making them feel seen and leaving a lasting mark on those hearing their stories,” Zulueta said.
“It’s about the words that can inspire others to follow in their footsteps. For me, I’ve learned that being a courtside reporter is about hope, support, caring for the athletes, and ultimately love,” she added.
Passing the mic
Although sports have been a part of her life, whether watching UAAP games with family as a young kid or playing libero back in high school, Zulueta knew that even good things must come to an end.
While UAAP correspondents can reaudition for another season, Zulueta is closing the chapter on courtside reporting to focus on med school.
“There will always be a special place in my heart for courtside reporting and anything in the media. So when opportunities strike and arrive, who knows, my door’s always open,” she said.
“But right now, it’s time to be locked in on Medicine and be the best doctor that I can be.”
As a new season approaches, Zulueta encouraged the next UST courtside reporter to embrace a growth mindset and make the most of the challenging yet rewarding UAAP experience.
“Put your heart into it and it will show in your work. Give it all that you’ve got, for yourself, for the athletes, and for UST. I’m already so proud and excited for you. Just do it.” F
