I still remember the first time I saw An Tsujimoto play during the UAAP Season 85 semifinals—the way she moved with the ball seemed to defy physics, weaving through defenders like they were standing still. There was this electric energy in the stadium that day, and even from the stands, you could tell she was something special. Fast forward to today, and she's not just a promising talent anymore; she's become the heart of collegiate soccer, with everyone watching to see where her career will take her next. Her journey from a local standout to an international prospect is exactly the kind of story that reminds me why I fell in love with sports journalism in the first place.
What really stands out about Tsujimoto’s rise isn’t just her raw skill—though she’s got plenty of that—but the way she’s managed to stay grounded while the spotlight grows brighter. In Season 87, she’s been nothing short of phenomenal, leading her team with 14 goals and 9 assists in just 18 matches. I’ve followed her stats closely, and what’s remarkable is her consistency under pressure. In high-stakes games, her completion rate for passes in the final third sits at around 78%, a figure that would make even seasoned pros nod in approval. But numbers only tell part of the story. Watching her play, you see this intuitive understanding of space and timing that you can’t really teach. It’s almost like she’s playing chess while everyone else is stuck in checkers.
Now, with Belen—the reigning league MVP—publicly announcing her plans to turn pro after this season, the buzz around Tsujimoto has intensified. Belen called Season 87 her "final playing year in the UAAP," and she’s set to declare for the PVL Draft in May. That decision has sent ripples through the soccer community, and I can’t help but think it’s lighting a fire under Tsujimoto too. See, in my years covering sports, I’ve noticed that when one star makes a bold move, it often pushes others to level up. Tsujimoto has always struck me as someone who thrives on challenges, and Belen’s announcement feels like the perfect catalyst for her to sharpen her focus on the international stage.
Let’s talk about her playing style for a moment. Tsujimoto isn’t just a goal-scorer; she’s a playmaker who reads the game two or three steps ahead. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen her drop deep to collect the ball, only to launch a counter-attack that leaves opponents scrambling. Her versatility is one of her biggest assets—she can slot into multiple positions, whether it’s as a forward, attacking midfielder, or even on the wings. And her endurance? Off the charts. In a recent match, she covered approximately 11.2 kilometers, the highest distance recorded by any player in her division this season. That kind of work rate isn’t just impressive; it’s what separates good players from great ones.
Of course, the road to international success isn’t without its hurdles. I’ve spoken with a few scouts and coaches over the years, and the consensus is that transitioning from collegiate leagues to professional setups requires more than just talent. It demands mental toughness, adaptability, and a willingness to keep learning. Tsujimoto has shown glimpses of all these traits, but the real test will come when she faces week-in, week-out competition at the pro level. Personally, I believe she’s got what it takes—her performance in high-pressure situations, like the UAAP finals last year where she netted the winning penalty, proves she doesn’t shrink when it matters most.
Looking ahead, the PVL Draft in May could be a pivotal moment for her career. If she follows in Belen’s footsteps and declares, I’d expect her to be a top pick. Some analysts are already projecting her to go in the first three selections, and if that happens, she’d likely join a club with international exposure, maybe even in leagues across Europe or Asia. From what I’ve gathered, there’s growing interest from teams in Spain and Japan, where her technical skills would fit right in. It’s exciting to think about, honestly. The idea of seeing her compete in those leagues makes me optimistic about the future of Filipino soccer talent on the global stage.
But here’s the thing—success isn’t just about where you play; it’s about how you grow once you get there. I’ve seen plenty of young stars fizzle out because they couldn’t handle the pressures of professional life. Tsujimoto, though, seems different. She’s got this quiet confidence about her, and she’s surrounded by a support system that includes former national team players mentoring her. In my opinion, that mentorship will be crucial as she navigates the next steps. Plus, her ability to speak multiple languages—she’s fluent in English, Japanese, and Tagalog—could give her an edge in adapting to overseas clubs.
As Season 87 winds down, every match feels like a preview of what’s to come. I’ll be keeping a close eye on Tsujimoto, not just for the stats but for the little moments—the way she celebrates with teammates, how she handles a tough loss, and the leadership she shows on and off the pitch. Those are the things that often predict long-term success more than any highlight reel. If she continues on this trajectory, I wouldn’t be surprised to see her representing the Philippines in major international tournaments within the next couple of years. And honestly, I can’t wait to see it happen. Her journey is a testament to hard work paying off, and it’s stories like hers that make sports worth following.
