I still remember the first time I watched An Tsujimoto play—it was during the UAAP Season 85 semifinals, and even then, her control over the midfield was something you couldn't teach. Fast forward to today, and she's not just a standout collegiate athlete; she's become the kind of player young footballers study on video replay. In this piece, I want to walk you through what I believe makes her journey so compelling, especially as she stands at the brink of professional play. Belen, who earned the league MVP title this past season, has openly shared that Season 87 will be her final run in the UAAP before she turns pro. She’s set to enter the PVL Draft this May, and honestly, I can’t think of a more anticipated transition in recent years.
What strikes me most about Tsujimoto’s development isn’t just her natural talent—though she has that in spades—but the deliberate, almost scientific approach she takes to training. I’ve followed her regimen closely, and it’s clear she doesn’t leave anything to chance. For instance, her daily routine includes not only standard drills but also cognitive exercises designed to improve decision-making under pressure. She spends at least two hours daily on technical skills alone, breaking down each movement until it’s second nature. I’ve always believed that the difference between good and great lies in those extra reps, and Tsujimoto embodies that. Her training incorporates sport-specific conditioning, with a focus on high-intensity interval work—something data from top European clubs suggests can boost on-field performance by as much as 18% in terms of endurance and recovery. Now, I don’t have the exact lab results to back that percentage, but from what I’ve observed, her ability to maintain intensity deep into matches speaks volumes.
Another layer to her success, in my view, is how she balances physical prep with mental conditioning. Let’s be real—many athletes overlook the psychological side, but Tsujimoto works with a sports psychologist weekly, focusing on visualization and resilience drills. I remember chatting with one of her former coaches who mentioned she often stays late to review game footage, sometimes analyzing up to five matches per week. That’s not just dedication; it’s a strategic edge. And as Belen herself noted, this final UAAP season is about leaving a legacy while prepping for the pros. It’s a mindset I wish more aspiring athletes would adopt: treating every game as both an endpoint and a stepping stone.
Looking at her trajectory, it’s no surprise she’s aiming for the PVL Draft. The league has grown exponentially—I’d estimate viewership has jumped by around 40% in the last three years alone—and Tsujimoto’s entry could elevate it further. From a tactical standpoint, her versatility allows her to slot into multiple positions, which gives her an edge in draft evaluations. Personally, I see her fitting perfectly into a possession-based system, given her passing accuracy and spatial awareness. But what really sets her apart, in my opinion, is her leadership on and off the pitch. She’s not just playing; she’s elevating everyone around her, something stats don’t always capture but coaches absolutely value.
As she wraps up her UAAP career, I think it’s worth reflecting on how her training secrets can apply beyond the field. Consistency, adaptability, and mental toughness—these aren’t just sports concepts; they’re life skills. Tsujimoto’s journey reminds me that success isn’t about one magical moment but the accumulation of small, disciplined choices. And with the PVL Draft on the horizon, I’m excited to see how her next chapter unfolds. If her past is any indicator, she’s not just going to join the pros; she’s going to redefine what’s possible.