What makes an athlete truly great? Is it just the hours put into practice? Could it be the inborn talent that one possesses? Or is there more behind the road to on-court stardom?

Gear up for greatness this season as the much awaited fourth issue of the UAAP Magazine goes into all the little details behind some of the UAAP’s most successful athletes. In a feature on volleybelle Michele Gumabao of the three-peat champion team, the DLSU Lady Spikers, and Ateneo King Eagle Kiefer Ravena, who both grace the cover of this jam-packed issue, readers get an in-depth look into how hard work translates into stories of success.

This season’s magazine throws the spotlight on volleyball, which has emerged as the UAAP’s new power sport. Now rivaling the men’s basketball games in terms of crowd attendance, which peaked with last season’s title series between Ateneo and La Salle, volleyball has definitely come a long way.

Also in this issue is a touching story about how one of today’s best collegiate players looked to his greatest mentor in order to accomplish his dreams. Following a successful stint thus far that has led his team to the top spot in the upcoming semifinals of UAAP Season 76, NU Bulldogs star player Ray-Ray Parks takes a step back to thank the man responsible for his dedication to the sport, personally penning a tribute to his late father, PBA star import Bobby Parks in an article he personally penned entitled “In the Eyes of a Son”.

Starting from when Ray-Ray began playing basketball at four up to the last days he spent with the man he continues to deem his greatest mentor, “In the Eyes of a Son” delivers an account of pure gratitude that translates to Ray-Ray’s outstanding performance in the sport of his choice.

Many other college athletes also take the spotlight, including members of the DLSU Lady Spikers, Season 76’s men’s basketball rookies, the UAAP’s top male swimmers, and much more.

Aside from all that, with the excitement brought about by Season 76’s Cheerdance Competition, enjoy a comprehensive feature on the history of this event and why it has become the crowd-drawer that it is today.

All of these and more are in the 2013 issue of the UAAP Magazine, as brought to readers by ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc. in partnership with the University Athletics Association of the Philippines and ABS-CBN Sports. Catch UAAP Season 76 live on Studio 23, with replays on Balls Channel.

The UAAP Magazine is the official magazine of the UAAP. Check it out on www.facebook.com/uaapmagazine for more details and updates.