MOST reasons for the players’ jersey numbers are about their birthday, because it was their idol’s jersey number or, for those romantic types, on their anniversary with their significant other.
But for Adamson University spiker Chiara Permentilla, she chose No. 9 just because she had no choice - as far as single-digit numbers are concerned.
Not that she doesn’t care but she just felt right with that jersey number.
“It all started when I was in high school kasi I started late dito sa Philippines ng paglalaro,” said the Fil-Italian volleybelle.
“‘Yung first opportunity ko na maging varsity in Canossa High School, my first number was No. 1,” she added.
Permentilla had to change her jersey number when La Salle Lipa tapped her to join the team for the STCAA meet.
Of course, she didn’t mind switching her playing uniform’s number.
“I don’t know, blessing in disguise, kulang ang team nila for La Salle (Lipa) so naghahanap sila ng mahuhugot from other teams and nag-try out ako and napili nila ako,” she recalled. “‘Yung available na single digit na lang is No. 9.”
For some reason, the sophomore AdU stunner doesn’t fancy double-digit jersey numbers.
“Kasi hindi hindi ako fan ng double digit pagdating sa jersey, hindi ko lang talaga feel,” she said.
It felt like love at first sight for Permentilla as she immediately felt that the No. 9, which she never expected to have, was the one for her.
“Parang siya (No. 9) ‘yung naging turning point ng volleyball career ko kasi from there doon ako nakuha ng La Salle Lipa and kinuha nila ako,” she said.
“Though hindi talaga siya related sa akin personaly, feeling ko ‘yun na ang God-given number for me na irerepresent,” she added.
When asked if there’s a possibility of changing her jersey number for a special reason, she was sure of her answer.
“I-claim ko na talaga siya na hanggang end ng career ko No. 9 ako,” she said with a smile.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
