Far Eastern University proudly honors Vic Glysen Derotas, captain of the FEU Lady Woodpushers and Women’s FIDE Master (WFM), with the prestigious Alfredo Reyes Sports Excellence Award during the 2025 Academic Excellence Recognition Ceremony. Derotas, only the second recipient of the award since its inception, embodies the perfect balance of athletic and academic achievement, an honor reserved for student-athletes who excel in both arenas.
A three-time UAAP champion in women’s chess, Derotas helped lead the Lady Woodpushers to back-to-back titles in Seasons 86 and 87, including an all-gold finish in Season 87. Her haul includes multiple gold medals in standard, blitz, and rapid events, making her one of FEU’s most decorated chess players in recent years. Off the board, she has been a consistent honor student throughout her four years at FEU, proving that discipline, time management, and perseverance fuel her success.
Reflecting on her journey, Derotas credits her mantra, “play hard and study harder” and the camaraderie within the team as key to balancing her dual roles. She plans to use her final playing year to continue building the Lady Woodpushers’ legacy, while pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, exploring a career in the corporate world, and aiming to join the Philippine Air Force as a Military Professor.
The WFM title is awarded by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) to female players with strong international performance, ranking just below Woman International Master and Woman Grandmaster.
Her achievement follows in the footsteps of inaugural awardee Katrina Magbitang, reinforcing FEU’s commitment to nurturing student-athletes who excel both in their sport and in their studies. Derotas’ story stands as an inspiration for future Tamaraws, proving that excellence knows no bounds, whether on the chessboard, in the classroom, or beyond.
