FROM one of the most scrutinized players from her Ateneo days to a PVL MVP, Vanie Gandler has completed a full-circle rise defined by defiance.
She heard it all before. The harsh labels, the doubts, the criticism that ranged from dismissive to downright cutting.
Through it all, Gandler never wavered.
That is why this MVP nod with Cignal carries far more weight than numbers or accolades.
READ: Have we seen the last of Cignal in PVL? Answer right now is maybe
It stands as validation of a journey shaped as much by adversity as it was by growth.
“This is very meaningful to me because I fought really hard to be where I am today,” she said.
“I fought through so many failures. I fought through so much doubt. But I'm pretty grateful for those that were with me.”
For Gandler, the trophy is not just recognition. It is a marker of purpose rediscovered.
“I really hold that purpose now. I want to show people now with hard work and dedication, you can reach your goals, that you can get to where you want,” she said.
“It doesn't matter what people say as long as you keep working and you bring the result.”
Not too bad for Baddie Vanie
Even as the Super Spikers fell just short of extending the finals, the bigger picture was never lost on her.
The player who once carried the weight of expectations now carries something else entirely: a refreshed perspective.
“I'm proud of myself. I'm definitely a player, a person that keeps trying, keeps pushing forward,” she said.
“It doesn't matter what people say. I have a great career. I have a great team. I'm blessed to have this career. I have a great family and a great support system. So that's what matters to me.”
The 25-year-old winger, now in her third season, finished fourth in scoring at the end of the semifinals with 209 points built on 182 attacks, 17 block, and 10 aces.
She also ranked ninth in spiking (31.93 percent) and seventh in both serving (0.23 aces per set) and receiving (36.59 percent), showcasing her all-around growth and impact.
Premier team headliners
Joining Gandler in this conference's winners' circle are Capital1 rookie Bella Belen and Nxled’s Brooke Van Sickle, who took best outside spiker honors, with Belen also named rookie of the conference.
Belen finished with 218 points, while Van Sickle added 175 points in another all-around campaign.
Farm Fresh’s Trisha Tubu secured her fifth best opposite spiker award after leading the league with 251 points.
Creamline’s Pangs Panaga extended her record with a 10th best middle blocker award, while ZUS Coffee rookie Riza Nogales claimed her second.
Cignal’s Gel Cayuna and PLDT’s Kath Arado completed the premier team, winning best setter and best libero for the fifth and sixth times, respectively.
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