FARM Fresh closed th chapter on a bizarre saga when it picked Alohi Robins-Hardy with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft.
The 6-foot-1 Fil-American setter's name was the third to be called among 57 aspirants, behind No. 1 pick overall Bella Belen of Capital1 and No. 2 Jean Asis of Galeries Tower.
That put an end to a controversy that started last year when the Foxies tried to sign her up as a free agent and came to a head in the days leading to the draft when Robins-Hardy bared she'll either play for Farm Fresh or head overseas.
When her long-awaited moment finally came as the Foxies drafted her third overall, it wasn't feelings of joy and excitement that prevailed on her end.
More than anything, it was relief now that she can put a long and winding year-long spell behind.
"Honestly, right now, I'm more relieved than excited. As you've heard, it's because I finally get to go on the court, finally get to play the sport that I love," the newest Farm Fresh setter, officially, said.
Refreshed perspective
Over the last year since her first attempt to enter the PVL fell flat to the league's free agency rules, Robins-Hardy took on multiple deputy coaching roles to keep her in the loop with how the sport has evolved since her previous stints.
She went on to take on deputy coaching roles with Farm Fresh and University of the Philippines that are both part of the Frank Lao-backed Strong Group Athletics' (SGA) stable.
Taking time off the court and spending it on the sidelines gave her a firmer understanding of the game she's always been used to playing in than coaching at.
"I think it helps me on the coaching side to see it both ways. I know the players sometimes have a hard time communicating with coaches and I got to see that quite a bit last season," said Robins-Hardy.
"I'm hoping that I can help with that this coming season.
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