I still remember walking into the Ninoy Aquino Stadium last July during the FIVB Challenger Cup for Women, feeling that electric atmosphere that only women's sports can generate these days. Little did I know that just months later, I'd be witnessing another women's sports revolution happening right here in Manila - this time on the football pitch with DLSU's remarkable transformation. Having followed collegiate sports in the Philippines for over a decade, I've rarely seen a team evolve as dramatically as the DLSU Women's Football Team has in the past two seasons. Their journey from middle-of-the-pack contenders to championship material represents something special happening in Philippine women's football.
What strikes me most about this team is how they've built their success around a core group of players who complement each other perfectly. Take team captain Sara Castañeda - I've watched her develop from a promising rookie into arguably the best midfielder in the league. Her vision on the pitch is extraordinary, and she's registered 8 assists this season alone, which puts her at the top of the league statistics. Then there's Isabella Fernando, their 19-year-old striker who's already scored 12 goals in 10 matches. I remember watching her debut last year and thinking she had potential, but nobody expected her to develop this quickly. Her partnership with veteran forward Maria Santos has created what I consider the most dangerous attacking duo in recent UAAP memory. Santos brings that experience factor - she's been through the tough seasons and now gets to enjoy the success.
Their recent victories tell the story better than any statistics ever could. That stunning 3-1 win against UP last month showcased everything that makes this team special. They went down early, which would have rattled previous DLSU squads, but this team has developed a resilience that's truly impressive. They came back with three unanswered goals, controlling possession with 68% of the ball and completing 85% of their passes. Even more remarkable was their 2-0 victory against defending champions Ateneo - a match where their defense, led by goalkeeper Anya Ramos, was absolutely impenetrable. Ramos made what I consider the save of the season in the 87th minute, preserving the clean sheet with a reaction that defied physics.
What many people don't realize is how much the broader sports environment in Manila has contributed to their rise. When international events like the FIVB Challenger Cup come to venues like the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, they create ripple effects across all women's sports. Young athletes see world-class female competitors being celebrated, and that inspiration translates across sports boundaries. I've spoken with several DLSU players who attended those volleyball matches last year, and they all mentioned how motivated they felt watching other women excel at the highest level. This cultural shift towards appreciating women's sports has provided the perfect backdrop for DLSU's football program to flourish.
The tactical evolution under coach Miguel Torres has been fascinating to observe. When he took over two years ago, the team was inconsistent and struggled to maintain their style against tougher opponents. Now, they play a possession-based game that's both effective and entertaining to watch. Torres has implemented a system that maximizes each player's strengths while maintaining defensive solidity. Personally, I think his decision to shift to a 4-3-3 formation has been revolutionary for this squad, giving them both width in attack and numerical superiority in midfield. They press intelligently, transition quickly, and have developed a mental toughness that separates good teams from great ones.
Looking at their statistics this season reveals just how dominant they've become. They've scored 28 goals while conceding only 7, maintaining an unbeaten streak of 9 matches since the season opener. Their average possession of 61% leads the league, and they've created more scoring chances than any team in recent UAAP history. But numbers only tell part of the story - what makes this team special is their chemistry and fighting spirit. I've watched them train, and the intensity and camaraderie are palpable. They play for each other, and that unity translates into their performances.
As someone who's followed Philippine collegiate sports through its ups and downs, I believe this DLSU team represents a turning point for women's football in the country. Their success comes at a time when women's sports are gaining unprecedented attention and support. The fact that their matches are now drawing crowds that rival the men's games speaks volumes about how far we've come. I'm particularly excited about the potential long-term impact - young girls across the Philippines now have a team to look up to, and that inspiration could shape the future of Philippine football.
The journey isn't over for this remarkable squad. With the championship playoffs approaching, they face their toughest test yet. But based on what I've seen this season, this team has the talent, the system, and most importantly, the heart to go all the way. Their rise hasn't just been about winning matches - it's been about changing perceptions and raising standards. Win or lose in the finals, they've already left an indelible mark on Philippine football and inspired a new generation of athletes. And honestly, as both a journalist and a fan, it's been an absolute privilege to watch their story unfold.
People in Motion (PiM) is our employee advocacy and improvement program. These cross-functional groups are comprised of employees, with an executive sponsor, who contribute ideas and drive action towards focused areas of improvement across the employee experience. The groups include: Kyruus Kontext & Business Readiness; Community, Connectivity, & Engagement; System, Tools, & Productivity; IDEA [Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility].
As a remote-first company, we are invested in employees creating a work setup that allows them to do their best work. In addition to a laptop, we also provide you with $750 to get the additional equipment you need and add an ongoing amount of $1,200 to your salary to cover remote work costs.
We value ownership at Kyruus Health, not only in the work you do but in the shared financial success from our growth. Employees will have the opportunity to grow their equity ownership throughout their tenure.
We care about creating the time you need to bond for any team members at Kyruus Health growing their families. We offer 8 weeks of fully paid leave to all parents. Birthing parents are also eligible for additional time and coverage through our Short-Term Disability plan.
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We offer employees a lifestyle stipend of $2,000 per year to help them be well. This is designed for Kyruus Health to offset the cost for items, experiences, or home expenses that enhance team members’ well-being
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We are committed to flexibility and empowering employees to do work that matters in a way that works for them. Our unlimited PTO policy is anchored on that flexibility – encouraging employees to take time off for what’s important to them, in addition to the many company holidays we celebrate. To highlight our commitment to a healthy work-life balance, we provide a specific stipend each quarter for employees to use on a recharge day.
