Six Empowering Women in Sports
Athletes often take center stage in every sporting event, but behind every game, there are women working tirelessly to shape the industry. These women may not compete on the field, but their impact is just as powerful—from breaking barriers in sports journalism and broadcasting to leading the way in coaching, production, and esports. They are the storytellers, strategists, mentors, and visionaries who bring sports to life in ways beyond competition.
Here are six remarkable women whose passion, dedication, and influence continue to inspire the next generation in sports.
Tessa Jazmines – Pioneer Female Sportswriter and Sports PR Magnate
“I started teaching right after graduation,” Tessa Jazmines, a pioneer sports writing journalist in the Philippines and sports PR magnate.
“Right after graduation, I started teaching. That was during the time of Martial Law in the ‘70s. At that time, there was a lot of censorship in the news but it was also the time when sports publications flourished,” said Tessa.
“I wanted to be part of that world,” Tessa told ALL-STAR.
She became one of the first two female sportswriters in the country, the other being the late Beth Celis, who was the grand dame of Philippine sportswriting.
Tessa is an only child, and her father’s passion for sports rubbed off on her. One day, she applied as a writer for the sports magazine Sports World.
“I just told the sports editor, I want to write about YCO. That’s how it started.”
YCO (pronounced as ‘ico’) was the team of basketball legends Caloy Loyzaga, Freddie Webb, Elias Tolentino, Egay Gomez, Ed Ocampo, and Sonny Reyes.
“They were all Olympians at that time!” said Tessa. “Iyan ang team noon na ang equivalent sa NBA would be the Celtics kasi sila yung may pinakamahabang winning streak, sila yung may pinakamaraming championships.”
With a storied career in sportswriting and sports PR, Tessa reflects on the greatest lesson she’s learned.
“In sports, the greatest lesson I’ve learned is that everybody is equal, and that everybody has a chance to pursue his or her passion. I’ve heard that some people feel they are edged out because of gender, but during our time, we were the first in the field as girls, and the men treated us well. What I learned is just always have a positive attitude, not just in sports but everywhere. Wala kang kaaway, lahat peace. We blended in the fraternity of sportswriters even if there were only two of us, Beth Celis and I.”
Kyla Kingsu – Bringing Sports Stories to Life
More than just being on camera and delivering reports, Kyla Kingsu’s quick thinking, adaptability, and a lot of behind-the-scenes work make her a dynamic and reliable courtside reporter, capable of capturing the emotion and essence of every game in real time.
“People don’t always see the constant research, the last-minute changes, and the challenge of capturing a game’s emotion in just less than a minute,” said Kyla. But what people don’t see is the amount of preparation and research behind it.
“I’m not the bravest or most confident person, despite how it might appear on broadcast or online. But my confidence comes from my preparation—knowing that I put in the work, that I’ve done my research, and that I’m fully invested in what I do. I pour my heart into every report, and that gives me the assurance that I belong in that space,” said Kyla.
Another thing people might not realize is how much focus it takes to deliver.
“The arena is loud—there’s the crowd, the panel speaking in my earpiece, the game unfolding right in front of me—but in the middle of all that, I have to zone in. I need to listen,” said Kyla.
“I love storytelling. Being on the court, talking to players and coaches, and sharing their journeys makes every game feel bigger than just the final score,” she added.
Part of the reasons why Kyla loves her job is seeing an athlete’s hard work pay off, witnessing history unfold, and bringing those moments to life for the fans. And, of course, the energy of a live game is unbeatable—the crowd, the competition, the high-stakes moments.
“It’s electric, and I love being in the middle of it all. But beyond the game itself, I also love the people I get to meet.”
What people don’t know about Kyla is how approachable and down-to-earth she is. You would see her talking to fans or listening to the stories of the people behind the production teams.
“It makes the world feel bigger, brighter, and full of potential. I believe that every game isn’t just about competition; it’s about connection.”
Chantelle Hernandez – An Inspiring Voice in Esports
Chantelle is one of the pioneer female casters in Philippine esports. But before she came to where she is now, she faced challenges not only from the community but also withihn her family.
“My older brother was very supportive when I first ventured into esports because he was the one who introduced me to MLBB. My mom, on the other hand, is of senior age na, and at that time, she wasn’t very open toward esports,” said Chantelle.
But during the pandemic, her mother she started watching her on the broadcast, and she enjoyed it! That’s when she came around.
“Even though initially she did not understand anything, she started enjoying watching once she understood the game.”
Many times, casters are the ones who receive the hate from fans.
“People forget that casters are also people who have emotions. We are free to do things that we want to, we are normal people who also want to achieve things in this short time that we are alive,” Chantelle told ALL-STAR.
“The greatest lesson I’ve learned in my esports career is pakikisama or getting along with people. Every day, you encounter different people. Every day, you can learn lessons and share lessons from different people and with different people,” she said.
“Once you learn how to get along with others, you will create an impact on the lives of the people around you. You can inspire, and your story can be a lesson for others.”
Despite everything she’s been through, what does Chantelle love most about her work?
“I love being part of the community! I love that I get to know the stories of the players, of the fans who travel nine hours just to watch the games,” said Chantelle.
“That kind of dedication just to watch the MPL means there is something in esports that can connect different groups of people, and that’s our love for MPL and our love for esports.”
Jenica Magquilat – A Powerhouse in Combat Sports Production
“I was producing commercials in 2019 when I chanced upon a career opportunity in Singapore. At that time, I was at a point where I wanted to make a difference in my career. I wanted more of a challenge… I wanted to hone and showcase my skills outside of the Philippines, and eventually outside of Asia, to create something on a global scale. Lo and behold, a global sports organization took me under its wing.”
Jenica is a producer and floor director at ONE Championship. Her background in lifestyle and entertainment media gave her an edge at work. She produces stories about the most legendary fighters and the most incredible up-and-coming stars in the sport
“I never would have imagined that I’d be part of the badass world of combat sports—floor-directing live events with the best of the best in martial arts,” said Jenica.
It has been nothing short of an extraordinary journey. It even influenced her life.
“Being in combat sports was a surprise to me. I’ve learned to love it, and I even practice martial arts myself now. It’s part of the benefit!”
On a typical busy day during an event week, Jenica juggles both the live broadcast responsibilities and the video production tasks. Quite a handful, but fun. A true test of character at its best.
People often say that the best part of this chosen career is traveling the world, experiencing different cultures, and meeting people from all walks of life. While these are visible perks, they’re honestly just a bonus.
“The most fulfilling part of the job is creating compelling stories and building athletes as heroes,” said Jenica.
Ever since she was in university, she found fulfillment in creating compelling narratives as a Journalism student.
“It’s about helping the audience understand why we do what we do and showing that athletes are more than just fighters. Like anyone else pursuing their dreams, athletes have aspirations,” Jenica told ALL-STAR. “They have a deeper purpose beyond the championship belt, and it’s always heartwarming and surprising to discover that purpose.”
“More than anything, I love championing what a woman can achieve in a predominantly male-dominated world. It’s empowering, and it shows the world that women can be just as powerful and impactful.”
Kat Quimpo – Coaching the Next Generation of Athletes
“I’ve always been in sport, growing up as an athlete,” Kat told ALL-STAR. “Coaching was one way for me to continue to be around sports. But mainly, I’ve always loved teaching and sharing my knowledge and passion for basketball. Coaching gave me the best platform for this.”
According to Kat, in a male-dominated sport such as basketball, women—especially young women—often have to work harder to earn the same respect and opportunities as their male counterparts.
“Sometimes women, and more so young women, are not given the same respect and benefit as our male counterparts. But striving to be the best I can be and embracing challenges have helped me earn the respect of my peers and the broader sports community,” said Kat Quimpo.
“A strong, resilient, passionate, and driven Filipina should always be represented across all sports, serving as a role model for young girls to look up to and follow,” she added.
Kat Quimpo believes that what we do may seem like just a drop in the bucket, but she hopes that, in time, it will create ripples that make a real difference.
“Being part of the growth of women’s basketball is both a privilege and an honor, but at the core of it, it’s simply me doing what I love.”
Her message to aspiring female athletes or coaches?
“Have a clear purpose and always know your ‘whys.’ Sports won’t always be fun or easy, but when challenges arise, your ‘why’ will be the driving force that keeps you going.”
Jeanette Obiena – A Mother’s Sacrifice for an Olympian
As a former hurdler, Jeanette Obiena understands the discipline it takes to be an athlete. She was an inspiration for Filipino Olympian EJ Obiena, who also took up hurdling before he became a pole vaulter at eight years old.
“I used to be a hurdler, just like EJ. The skills he developed in that event have been beneficial for pole vaulting,” said Jeanette.
As someone who is very close to his mother, EJ remembered to thank her throughout his challenging journey as a pole vaulter.
“Thank you. Maraming salamat really for having the patience, being strong, really doing everything you can to raise us. I know it’s hard. I know it’s not something that she expected, the challenges that she faced. It’s a totally different path that I think she expected, growing up,” EJ told PEP in 2024.
Being away from family is a sacrifice, but Jeanette knows that unwavering support fuels an athlete’s confidence.
“One of the sacrifices is being far from your son. As a mother po, lalo na sa Filipino family, we have very close ties,” Jeanette told ALL-STAR. “We want to see and ensure that our child is well, and it’s especially painful to know that he needs someone to care for him when we’re not there—like when he’s sick.”
The unseen, silent support of a mother or family is the foundation of an athlete’s success, providing the unwavering love, sacrifice, and encouragement that fuel their journey to greatness.
“As parents, we need to support our child in everything he pursues, especially his dreams. By assuring him that we are always here whenever he needs us, we help build his confidence and encourage him to do his best.”
