The power of familial influence is undeniable, and it's even more evident in the world of sports. Just ask Pauline Gaston, who paid tribute to her father Fritz Gaston by wearing his jersey number in her first conference with Chery Tiggo.
For those unfamiliar with Pauline, she is a 25-year-old professional volleyball player who previously played for Ateneo and Choco Mucho before joining the Crossovers. In the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, she switched from her previous jersey number of 9 to her father's number, 22.
Fritz Gaston was also an athlete, playing in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) during the 80s. He won a championship with both the U/Tex Wranglers and the Crispa Redmanizers, making him a respected figure in the sport.
For Pauline, wearing her father's number is more than just a tribute. It's also a reminder of how her father helped shape her into the athlete she is today.
In a post-game interview after Chery Tiggo's win over Black Mamba-Army, Pauline shared, "My dad is the athlete in our family, so I want to use him as an inspiration because he also played professional basketball and now I play professional volleyball."
Pauline knows how fortunate she is to have the opportunity to play professionally and acknowledges that her father played a significant role in helping her achieve her dreams.
"Not everyone is given this kind of chance, and I owe it to him because he never neglected me," she said. "He's the one who always pushed me to pursue my dreams even though I've tried many different sports, and that's why I'm wearing his number."
But it's not just about wearing her father's number. Pauline has also been making an impact on the court for Chery Tiggo. After getting benched in their debut win against Cignal, she immediately made an impact in her first game against the Lady Troopers, finishing with eight points and seven excellent receptions to help the Crossovers move to 2-0 in the standings.
Despite her success, Pauline knows the importance of staying ready, especially as a bench player.
"There might be injuries or any other unforeseen circumstances, so we, who come off the bench, are always ready. I feel that our team is a collaborative effort and not just one player is lifting the team up," she said.
Pauline Gaston's decision to wear her father's number is a testament to the power of familial influence and the deep respect she has for her father. It's also a reminder of the importance of staying humble and being ready to contribute to the team's success, no matter what role you play.
