WNM Vic Glysen Derotas

I’m Vic Glysen Derotas, a 24-year-old Woman National Master (WNM) from the Philippines and the Team Captain of the FEU Women’s Chess Team. I’ve been playing chess since I was 4 years old and have dedicated nearly two decades to competing, training, and mastering the game. My journey in chess has shaped my discipline, focus, and love for teaching. Alongside my chess career, I graduated with a degree in Psychology and am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. I am passionate about both chess and mental wellness, and I aim to create a learning environment that is not only skill-based but also mentally empowering for my students.

I have played in numerous local, national, and international tournaments throughout my chess career. Some of the most notable include the UAAP Women’s Chess Tournament, where I helped lead FEU to back-to-back championships, and the ASEAN Age Group Chess Championships, where I won gold in Girls U-18 Standard (2019, Myanmar) and silver in blitz (2018, Davao). One of my best wins was in UAAP Season 87, where I delivered a 53-move checkmate that helped secure our championship title. I also earned the Woman National Master (WNM) title and was a former Shell National Youth Active Kiddies Champion. Additionally, I’ve had undefeated runs in regional tournaments, including a perfect 7/7 performance at the Cebu School of Chess. These experiences have shaped me into a disciplined, strategic, and passionate player and mentor.

I’ve been playing chess for nearly 20 years and have spent the last 2 years training students with a focus on both growth and enjoyment. Many of my students started as beginners and have now progressed to confident intermediate-level players. I emphasize a strong foundation in tactics, strategy, and game analysis, while also helping students build critical thinking and decision-making skills. I take pride in guiding their progress and creating a supportive, student-centered environment. In addition to my chess career, I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and am currently pursuing graduate studies in Clinical Psychology

Aside from being a player and coach, I’ve also taken on leadership and technical roles in the chess community. As the Team Captain of the FEU Women’s Chess Team, I’ve led and guided a roster of 17 members, both on and off the board. I have also served as a chess arbiter and took part in organizing a national chess event, where I encoded and managed the games of nearly 300 players. These experiences have deepened my understanding of chess beyond playing—into areas like team management, tournament operations, and fair play. They’ve also strengthened my ability to work under pressure, stay organized, and lead with clarity.

My strongest skills are positional play and endgame mastery, along with the ability to teach in a clear, student-friendly way. I was trained by GM and WGM coaches at FEU, and I incorporate their high-level techniques into my lessons. With my background in psychology, I focus on building both chess strength and confidence in my students.

My teaching methodology is student-centered, structured, and growth-oriented. I focus on building a strong foundation through key concepts in tactics, strategy, and endgames, while adjusting my approach to each student’s pace and learning style. I guide my students not only during our sessions but also outside lesson time, reviewing their games, giving feedback, and tracking their progress. I make sure they feel supported throughout their chess journey and ensure they are never left confused or unsure. I’m also readily reachable anytime for questions, game reviews, or quick advice—because real improvement happens when learning continues beyond the board.