IF there’s anyone in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) who knows a thing or two about pressure, Choco Mucho’s guest import Zoi Faki is up there on that list.
Expectations were sky-high for the Flying Titans’ Greek reinforcement to carry the scoring load as guest imports should, more so in the absence of their Alas Pilipinas-bound ace spiker Sisi Rondina.
But even after Choco Mucho rose to 2-4 for eighth place after a statement 25-16, 25-11, 23-25, 19-25, 15-12 win over title contender Chery Tiggo, Faki hasn’t quite hit the mark yet and has yet to please a devout Choco Mucho fanbase.
READ Choco Mucho coach explains benching of import Zoi Faki
Following her 10-point performance after averaging just 12.4 markers in their first five matches, Faki shared how she channeled her ‘Mamba mentality’ through a quote from the late Kobe Bryant about handling pressure.
“There is a quote from Kobe Bryant, he said one time that pressure is a mental thing and pressure doesn’t exist. When I saw this, I was like ‘That’s right, what is pressure? We’re just playing a game,’” said Faki.
“I keep telling myself what really is pressure, why is your mind thinking that you can’t do it (because) pressure comes in a way negatively and naturally in the mind.”
Dealing with pressure
Faki admits past struggles dealing with sky-high expectations well.
But with the help of a mental coach she’s worked with for two years now, she’s cracked the right code to overcome the ordeal.
“My best advice is to find yourself a trick that you can get out of the zone. I was not always good in handling pressure and handling all these that’s been going on, but I would say just find it within yourself what works for you to stay and perform under pressure.
“I think once you do that, you’re gonna be okay.”
Furious Titans fanbase
Having to deal with an outspoken and hard-to-please Choco Mucho fanbase, which arguably also happen to be one of the league’s biggest, Faki took the route of blocking out social media and all the criticism.
And the Greek import didn’t mince her words in stressing her core philosophy when it comes to her critics: she doesn’t care.
She’d only need to prove herself not to those who speak so lowly and so much about her, but to the people in the team who never lost faith in her from Day One.
“I’m gonna say this and I’m trying to not be mean, I don’t know what to say to the fans. I’m not even gonna take time of my life to respond to these comments.
“Coach Dante (Alinsunurin) and the management chose me to be here and there’s a reason for me that I’m here. I deserve it all the way because i worked so hard.
“Whatever you say about me, you’re wasting your time because I don’t care.”
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