Erica Celine Samonte’s athletic journey has been a dynamic one, beginning in her high school years and evolving into a multifaceted career and passion for sports.
At the age of 31, Erica has traversed various sports arenas, starting as a varsity basketball player for Ateneo de Manila during her high school days.
Her athletic skills weren’t confined to the basketball court, she also excelled as a member of the national women’s karatedo team, clinching medals twice in the Southeast Asian Games.
Transitioning from the rigors of elite competition, Erica now thrives in her role as a Marketing Technology Manager at Evident, a marketing and advertising company.
However, her love for sports remains unwavering, as she continues to engage in recreational basketball and dedicates her time to teaching karatedo to children while also competing internationally as a black belt.
Reflecting on her journey, Erica acknowledges the shift from the intense pressure of elite competition to the enjoyment of sports on her own terms.
“I’m still competing. But it’s less pressure now,” she remarks during her participation in the Equal Play: Accelerating Progress for Filipina Athletes! The forum was held at Citadines in Makati City.
Erica’s passion for both karatedo and basketball blossomed during her high school years at the Jose Abad Santos Memorial School.
She fondly recalls weekends filled with back-to-back competitions, shuttling between karatedo events in Alabang and basketball games in Quezon City, showcasing her remarkable dedication and talent across both sports.
During her college years, Erica continued to pursue her passion for basketball, joining Ateneo Lady Eagles team B in the Women’s Basketball League.
However, her commitment to the national women’s karatedo team eventually took precedence, leading to notable achievements such as double bronze medals in the 2011 and 2017 Southeast Asian Games.
Despite her focus on karatedo, Erica maintains her connection to basketball through weekend cross-training sessions and club competitions in the Shotokan style alongside fellow retired karatedo athletes.
As Erica continues to excel in her professional career and pursue her athletic endeavors, her journey stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of determination and passion that fuels her success both on and off the court.
