Gilas Women taps daughter of PBA legend for SEA Games

Gilas Pilipinas Women have tapped 17-year-old guard Sophia Dignadice for their campaign at the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand, as the Philippines aims to reclaim gold in the women’s 5-on-5 basketball tournament.

Dignadice joins a core of veterans such as Afril Bernardino, Janine Pontejos, and Khate Castillo, with the squad expecting depth and fresh energy to bolster its title bid.

College standouts Kacey de la Rosa, Angel Surada, Karl Pingol, Louna Ozar, Trina Guytingco, Sarah Heyn, and Monique del Carmen are also among the players suiting up for the team.

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HANDANG MAGPAKITANG-GILAS 🇵🇭🫡

Powered by six holdovers from their silver-medal campaign two years ago, the Gilas Pilipinas Women are eyeing redemption at the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand.#GilasPilipinas #SEAGames33 #SEAGamesThailand #TibayAtTatag pic.twitter.com/pWRv5l85LB

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) December 4, 2025

According to head coach Pat Aquino, the absence of naturalized players levels the playing field, giving the Filipinas a tactical edge over comparable Southeast Asian teams.

The inclusion of Dignadice follows eligibility clearance, she recently secured her Philippine passport, allowing her to suit up for the national team.

Dignadice, who stands 5’6, is the daughter of former PBA and national-team standout Yves Dignadice.

The elder Dignadice won a gold medal in the 1985 SEA Games under the late coach Ron Jacobs.

Gilas Women will launch their gold-medal pursuit when the SEA Games basketball tournament begins in Bangkok, with expectations high after the squad’s strong recent showings, including a climb to No. 39 in the latest global rankings for women’s national teams.

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