SMILES COME easily for Filipino-Japanese rookie Julia Balingit, whose bubbly demeanor stands out whether in training or on an ordinary day on campus grounds.
But behind that infectious joy, the UST Growling Tigresses newcomer admitted how tough it is to adjust to the pressures of her first UAAP season, pushing through language barriers and cultural differences.
After completing her primary and secondary education in Japan, Balingit transferred to UST as a sophomore — a move that expanded her volleyball opportunities, but also brought a steep learning curve to her student-athlete life.
“Super hard,” she told The Flame, recalling her initial struggle to understand English and Filipino.
Despite the challenge, she credited her blockmates at UST, whom she described as “super kind,” for helping her stay academically afloat.
On the volleyball side, Balingit noted that while Japanese training sessions were already rigorous, the Philippine collegiate volleyball scene was more intense and physically demanding.
The opposite hitter said the entire Tigresses program played a vital role in helping her settle into the system, easing her transition both tactically and emotionally.
Beyond academics and training, the 5-foot-10 spiker is bracing for impact in the upcoming UAAP atmosphere, particularly the loud UST crowd that comes to game venues.
“First time UAAP… so many people,” she said, describing the pressure of performing before massive crowds, a stark contrast to the more intimate settings she was used to in Japan.
Balingit’s path to España began during UST’s training camp in Japan last year, when her ability to play as both an outside and an opposite hitter caught the coaches’ attention and led to her recruitment.
She offered an early glimpse of what’s to come as she carried that momentum into Game 2 of the Shakey’s Super League finale against the NU Lady Bulldogs last Nov. 15, posting a solid 13-point performance despite the team’s loss.
With expectations mounting after quickly earning the label of a “head-turner,” the young rookie is keeping her mindset simple as her UAAP debut approaches on Feb. 15 at the Mall of Asia Arena against NU.
“Always smile. That’s it.” F
