NEVER in her wildest dreams did Fifi Sharma think she would be part of history made. All while reppin' the Philippines, at that!
It was in 2013 when the middle blocker first opened eyes. A towering talent for Far Eastern University-Diliman back then, she of course, caught the fancy of De La Salle Lady Spikers mentor Ramil de Jesus.
The signature of de Jesus' - or RDJ as he's affectionately called - teams throughout his legendary coaching career has been height and length. Sharma most definitely fit the bill.
It didn't hurt either that her surname carries weight in Taft Ave., with her father Carlo playing his part in the men's basketball team's glory days in the late '90s to mid '00s.
Fifi went on to win her first and only UAAP title with La Salle in Season 85 before taking her talents to the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) with the Akari Chargers.
A golden opportunity
Upon topping the blocking department in the preliminaries of the recently-concluded 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference, Sharma received the opportunity of a lifetime to represent the country for the first time on the international stage as a pioneering player of the newly-rechristened Philippine national team.
It was a fever dream that ended in bronze as Alas Pilipinas registered a historic podium finish in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Women right at home.
READ: Four qualities that set Alas Pilipinas apart from past PH teams
As she reflected on a breakout first stint for flag and country, the 23-year-old still couldn't believe how far she's come from simply just enjoying the game to elevating it to a whole different level.
“It’s still so surprising. Hindi ko inaasahan na maaabot ko ‘yung ganitong level ng volleyball kasi honestly, I’m just playing for fun, but this is where fun has gotten me so I’m so happy for that,” she shared.
“Just give us preparation and time na gumawa ng sistema, magagawa nating (umangat internationally). Hindi malabo.”
After-bronze incredibility
At the same time that Alas has proven that the Philippines belongs on the grander stage of international competition, Sharma is setting her sights on even greater heights for herself.
READ: Powerhouse Korea tests mettle of bronze-winning Alas
“Honestly, mas tumaas pa lalo yung pangarap ko. Given it's the highest level, I want to reach more and further in my career. I'm super excited about what's to come,” she said.
The same goes for the 5-foot-11 middle blocker's hopes for a national team that is gaining steam and only wants that momentum to keep going.
“We have good leaders and we have a good coaching staff. Everybody is just so supportive of everything. That's the main reason why everyone has good spirits coming into every game. We just have a good support system," she said.
"I'm just super lucky to be a part of this team and that everyone just worked super well together.”
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