THERE?S something about Fille Saint Merced Cainglet, a sophomore spiker of the Ateneo Lady Eagles volleyball team. No, it's not just her name that commands attention. Her leaping skills, body control and, well, yes, her looks have made her one of the most popular varsity stars. Fans especially like it that she has a ready smile at all times.

Fille relishes the attention ? and not because it means she's popular. Rather, it gives her satisfaction that she's doing good at the sport she works hard at.

"Volleyball is special to me and it makes me feel that I am doing something great in my life. I never thought that volleyball can take me this far. I am really blessed to have volleyball in my life," said the 20-year-old Bacolod native.

Fille is passionate about her sport, crediting volleyball for making her disciplined, hardworking and flexible enough to get along with various personalities from all walks of life.

"Volleyball has shaped my personality to become an enthusiastic and sweet person. I try to look at everything in a positive light and make the most of each situation," said Fille, whose name means "daughter" or "girl" in French.

An older sister, she added, is named Fille Saint Claudine and is a member of the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons in the UAAP and the Women's Philippine Basketball League.

Fille actually tried basketball first, but the highly physical sport didn't appeal to her. She was in fifth grade at St. Scholastica's College Manila when she started playing volleyball with her classmates, and found that she enjoys it. She tried out for the school team and was immediately taken in, along with Angeline "Dzi" Gervacio, who later became her teammate in the Ateneo squad.

Fille credits her grade school coach, Agie Coronel, for paving the way to her varsity stint, mainly in the Women's National Collegiate Athletic Association (WNCAA).

She led St. Scholastica to back-to-back junior WNCAA crowns in 2007 and 2008 and was Most Valuable Player in both seasons. It was also during these years that she made it to the National Capital Region team in the Palarong Pambansa. Gervacio was named Best Attacker in the same years that Fille was MVP.

"The St. Scholastica's College community is very proud of the Cainglet sisters and all other Scholasticans, even if they are already with other schools," said Ma. Vivian P. Manila of St. Scholastica?s, who is also the long-time president of the WNCAA. "Both are consistent sports awardees, very amiable and humble, truly big assets. While we're quite sad that they are no longer with us, we are very happy for their success and we congratulate UP and Ateneo for developing the potentials of our former students."

Ateneo was Fille's first and only choice after high school. She considered other universities "but Ateneo, in my opinion, was the best choice."

"Ateneo offered not only benefits for a student athlete but a promising education as well," said Fille, who was recruited by Ateneo, along with Gervacio, Jamenea Ferrer from Hope Christian High School and Canossa Academy-Lipa's Ailysse Nacachi.

College volleyball was intimidating at first, Fille admitted. Action is much more intense and the opponents are taller.

?A really different level," said the 5-foot-7 Fille. "The will to win is stronger. The game is faster. And the opposing players are tall so you really have to assert yourself.?

She credits the Ateneo coaching team composed of Roger Gorayeb, Clint Malazo and Mic Laborte for making her adjust well to college play.

"They are really patient and take the time and effort to teach us," said Fille, adding that she looks up to former national player Laborte.

The Ateneo team members spend most of their time together during breaks, observed Fille, with their own table in the school cafeteria where any team member can hang out. Frequent team building exercises further strengthen their bond.

But they do know how to have fun, too, despite their killer schedule.

"We like going out together to watch movies and eat out. Most of us also love playing beach volleyball whenever we have our outings at the beach," she said. "I may run a hectic schedule but I manage to slip some fun into everything I do. I don't really have any difficulty in balancing everything, since I have been a student athlete since grade school."

Definitely, Fille's life revolves around volleyball. Even her schedule is adjusted so it won?t interfere with her training and games.

"A typical day is spent mostly in school. After my classes, we?d have our training. Then I get home, eat dinner and do my homework or study for a test," Fille revealed.

Making it to the national team sounds great to any athlete, but Fille has other plans after graduation.

"I will continue playing volleyball as much as I can, but there are things in life that I?d like to try out and explore. After graduation, I hope to go to medical school or get a doctorate in Psychology." ?