FIFI Sharma saw not a few doors open for her in 2024, both in and out of volleyball.
Sharma's breakout year saw her first-ever national team call-up with Alas Pilipinas, which she made the most of, on top of Akari’s finals debut back in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.
READ: 'Alas' not just a new name but a welcome reboot for national team
Capping a big 2024 for Sharma were the countless opportunities for her to venture into non-sporting endeavors she would’ve never thought possible.
Hence, it was also a year of self-discovery for the fan favorite.
“Marami akong na-try na bago aside from volleyball. I got to discover more of the things I like pa outside of it like hosting, minsan rumaraket sa Eat Bulaga, yes, and also content creation and ‘yung mga endorsements ko,” Sharma shared with SPIN.ph.
“Super happy lang kasi I get to share my passion with everybody, and very proud din ako sa sarili ko kasi na-tiyaga ko siya. Gor me, hindi siya mahirap kasi nae-enjoy ko siya kahit hindi siya volleyball related, I love it.
“Gusto ko rin na meron akong opportunity na mag-break muna from volleyball para hindi naman masyadong consumed yung life ko with it.”
At the end of the day, her heart will always go back to the place and sport that made the dream life that she has now a reality.
“I love volleyball talaga. Without volleyball, hindi ko makukuha ‘yung mga ibang opportunities like yung mga rakets ko. Ito pa rin talaga ‘yung number one, my number one raket,” said Sharma.
Fifi living life to the fullest
Busy as a pro athlete’s daily grind might be, the year taught Sharma to expand her horizons.
“I'd say don't be afraid to try new things, especially if they speak strongly to you.
If may opportunity na nag-present sa'yo, tapos you think na magugustuhan mo naman siya, huwag kayong matakot na i-try.
Sharma added, “Just try and try. Don't close yourself into just one thing, or don't limit yourself into just becoming a certain person. Expand your knowledge. Hone your skills more, hindi lang isa para rin yung quality of life niyo umangat.
“Just try and try. Risk it. If you fail, it's okay.”
On the taraflex, Sharma credited one man for encouraging her to spread her wings.
“I love Coach Jorge [de Brito]. He's a good coach. He believes in me. He encourages me to do my best. Naniniwala siya na makakaya kong gawin ‘yung mga hindi ko alam na kaya ko palang gawin.
“Siya ‘yung highlight din ng 2024 ko kasi binigyan niya ako ng tiwala na makapag-represent ng country, which I have never, ever seen myself fulfilling that big of a role.
Pero siya, nakita niya ‘yun. Nagbigay yun sa akin ng confidence, and nagpush din siya sa akin na maniniwala sa sarili ko kasi may naniniwala sa akin na Olympian.
“Perfect timing. Perfect timing talaga."
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