WNCAA Season 55 Opens Sept. 14 with 16 Schools Competing in 13 Events

The 55th season of the Women’s National Collegiate Athletic Association (WNCAA) kicks off on Saturday, September 14, at host school Assumption Antipolo. The event will feature 16 participating teams, including the return of two former members.

Participating schools include Assumption Antipolo, Assumption College San Lorenzo (Makati), 11-straight senior basketball champion Centro Escolar University (CEU), Chiang Kai Shek College, De La Salle Zobel, La Salle College Antipolo, Miriam College, Philippine Women’s University, San Beda College Alabang, St. Jude Catholic School, St. Paul College Pasig, St. Scholastica’s College (Manila), St. Stephen’s High School, and University of Asia & the Pacific. This season, the University of Makati and University of Santo Tomas-Angelicum College rejoin the league, marking their return to the country’s first and only tri-level league for women.

Officials and school representatives launch the 55th season of the Women’s National Collegiate Athletic Association at the Dizon Hall of host Assumption Antipolo on Wednesday (Sept. 11, 2024). Leading the launch and press conference are (from left) Assumption Antipolo Student Affairs and Services director Maria Luz San Andres and directress Marie Grace Magtaas; and WNCAA chairperson Ma. Vivian Manila, president Juanita Alamillo and secretary general Ma. Angelica dela Cruz. (WNCAA photo)

The opening ceremonies at Assumption Antipolo will begin at 10 a.m., followed by the volleyball competition at 1 p.m. This year’s theme is “Championing and Empowering Women in Sports.”

Basketball matches will start on Sunday at the Chiang Kai Shek main campus in Tondo, Manila. Futsal competitions will begin on September 22, with the venue to be announced later. The street dance competition is scheduled for December, and the remaining events will take place in the first quarter of 2025. These events include chess, badminton, swimming, taekwondo, poomsae, table tennis, tennis, cheer dance/cheerleading, and 3×3 basketball.

“As in the past years, all schools are committed to play their best. They will always strive to bring out the best in their players,” said WNCAA chairperson Ma. Vivian Manila during the season launch. The WNCAA prides itself on being a grassroots league, with many professional and national players tracing their roots back to the league. One notable WNCAA alumna is Gilas Pilipinas Women’s player Janine Pontejos, a four-time Most Valuable Player for the CEU Lady Scorpions, who will be part of the CEU coaching staff this season.

The WNCAA continues to foster the growth and development of women in sports, providing a platform for athletes to excel and make their mark on the national stage.