Bella Belen proud to earn psychology degree amid UAAP title chase

Generational volleyball talent and two-time MVP Bella Belen finishes her studies from National University right before the Lady Bulldogs’ finals Game 1 win against the La Salle Lady Spikers

MANILA, Philippines – National University star Bella Belen has won numerous individual awards and multiple championships throughout her decorated career in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament.

This Season 87, the two-time league MVP Belen is once again the frontrunner for the same plum and is only one win away from capturing her third title with the defending champion Lady Bulldogs after their four-set win over the La Salle Lady Spikers in Game 1 of the best-of-three finals on Sunday, May 11.

But for the 22-year-old Belen, no MVP award or championship could top the milestone she had just achieved right before the start of the finals series.

Last Friday, May 9, Belen officially earned her degree in psychology during their graduation ceremony at the SMX Convention Center.

“I’m very happy because of course, getting a diploma is no easy feat for a student,” Belen told reporters in Filipino.

UAAP FINALS G1 | WATCH:

Two-time MVP and champion Bella Belen takes pride on her greatest achievement yet: a Psychology diploma from NU after graduating last Friday, ahead of the Lady Bulldogs’ finals Game 1 against rival La Salle. #UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/TdArwsNjoW

— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) May 11, 2025

“Even though some people say that we only pass because we’re student-athletes, that’s not the case. We also study hard and stay up late, so I’m very happy I finally got my diploma from NU.”

As great as she is on the floor, Belen — who produced her usual solid numbers of 19 points, 15 excellent digs, and 10 excellent receptions in Game 1 — shared how her background in psychology helps improve her game even more, especially as the leader of the powerhouse Lady Bulldogs.

“Since I know my teammates as players and normal people, I know how to approach them when they are down or not in the mood to play,” she said in Filipino.

“I know the proper way to talk to them, if I should be tough on them or not, because every athlete is different. Some prefer a gentle approach, while some need an extra push.”

“Psychology helps me in a way with how to think on the court. Like if the game is close, I don’t need to be rattled. There’s always a solution to every problem. My way of thinking is always positive,” she explained.

As NU tries to close out the series in Game 2 at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, May 14, the fourth-year superstar spiker Belen acknowledged that winning a potential third title would be the sweetest among all her championships.

“I don’t know how to explain how it would feel, but that’s really our goal this year — to graduate and become back-to-back [champions],” said Belen.

“For me, I would rank it at the very top because it wasn’t easy. Especially now, every team is so competitive. Every season, the competitiveness of each team gets higher because the level of difficulty playing volleyball also gets higher.”

“So I think, it would really rank as the top championship because what we have been through this season wasn’t easy. We had a lot of ups and downs,” she said. – Rappler.com