The Huskies women’s volleyball program is pleased to announce that Jaque Ronquillo has committed to compete for the team, beginning in the 2022-23 season.
“I decided to commit to George Brown College because I feel at home and welcomed here, especially [because] I already know, and have played with most of our team members outside of GBC,” Ronquillo stated.
The 5’7 outside hitter from Manila, Philippines, is known for her offensive abilities and the energy she provides on the court. Head coach, Daphne Choi, believes that Ronquillo will be a fantastic addition to the team.
"Jaque is a hard-working, kind, and strong athlete. She brings a unique energy to the team, and is a reliable outlet for us as a hitter,” Choi explained. “For many years, our program has been looking to have athletes with a stronger presence at the net, and Jaque definitely brings this, to the Huskies Team, in addition to other recruits we have brought on.”
In September, Ronquillo will be enrolled in the American Sign Language and Deaf Studies program. She’s ready to dominate on the court and in the classroom.
“I aim to excel in both academics and on the volleyball court. I want to be at my best to help my team achieve bigger goals this coming season,” she stated. “I’m really focused, and I give my everything every time I go to practice. I want to show my coaches that they’re not wasting time on me, and it’s my way to thank them for the opportunity.”
Head coach, Choi, has high expectations, and believes that Ronquillo can hit the ground running in the OCAA.
“Jaque is expected to be one of our strongest athletes - she has been working hard with us in the off-season, and has already started to see improvements in the skills that we're working on,” Choi explained.
In addition to the impact she will have on the court, Ronquillo is helping progress GBC’s culture of diversity and inclusion, as the first transgender student-athlete to commit to the Huskies women’s volleyball team. Jaque is ready to be herself, and to move forward with her transition in Canada.
“I have been waiting for this moment all my life. Growing up in the Philippines, I had to hide who I really was, because people will judge you, schools won’t recruit you, and your performance will deteriorate because of the dosage of hormones needed for you to be eligible to play,” she explained. “When I got to Canada, I knew something must change, and I knew that I had to be the person I wanted to be. I want to transition. I want to be like my idol Jaqueline Carvalho, and most of all, I want to be recognized as a woman. I then started my transition [with] hormone replacement therapy.”
Ronquillo is currently in her third year of hormone replacement therapy, and head coach Choi is prioritizing the creation of a safe and supportive environment where Jaque can truly be herself.
“GBC has a history of creating a safe and supportive environment for all athletes; when we get a chance to compete against other teams, I'm always very proud of the diversity of our Huskies teams. Athletes from all walks of life, including transgender athletes, have had equal opportunities to compete for George Brown,” coach Choi said. “Personally, this has been my first opportunity to coach a transgender athlete, and it has been such a wonderful learning experience. The entire team of athletes and staff have embraced Jaque as a Husky, and have welcomed her into our pack. I believe that this kind of environment allows Jaque to fully enjoy her sport, and be truly herself.
Jaque has been practicing with the team, and feels that the team has allowed her to be herself.
“As a transgender athlete, I really think it’s essential to feel that you are welcomed and accepted. I know I am the first trans athlete that my coaches will handle, and so far, they have made me feel good about myself, pushing me to be the best version of myself in and out of the court, and to be a reliable teammate,” she said. “Our head coach, Daphne Choi, really made me feel welcomed and accepted. She said ‘you can be who you are in this place. This is your safe place, Jaque.” To be honest, that’s the first time I felt acknowledged as a trans athlete. I’m really thankful for coach Daphne, Tim [Tan], Caitlin [Tam], and Matt [Moya] for believing in me and allowing me to fulfill this dream that I have had since I was 10.”
For more information on George Brown Women's Volleyball, contact Athletics Coordinator Deanna Oliver at doliver@georgebrown.ca. If you're interested in possibly joining the Women's Volleyball team, fill out the prospective athlete form.
