THERE’S more to 2025 PVL Rookie Draft aspirant Rose Joy Pinuela than being the oldest one in the 60-strong bunch.
At 39 years old, the 5-foot-7 Olivarez College winger’s greatest battle yet was more than just proving her worth on the volleyball court.
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It was about standing her ground in the face of lifelong discrimination about her physical appearance, age, and inability to go head-to-head with more experienced players.
Even as most of the embattled Fil-African aspirant’s life was plagued by the longstanding cultures of ageism and racism, her passion for the sport just weighed more - and meant more.
As she put it, “Ako kasi, this is my passion. Ang dami kasing discrimination sa life ko, but I always stayed positive kaya gusto ko pang magpatuloy pa. I don’t want to ever give up."
“I just want to follow my goal and dreams in life kasi ayaw kong gumive up.”
She gave it everything to stay undeterred in the face of adversity, but there was a point in her life where she had to take a detour away from volleyball.
Pinuela took a deep dive into the fashion industry and got into modeling, but as the old adage goes, what’s meant to be will always find a way.
And through her PVL Draft application, one made possible by fueling words from her best friend, the model-turned-athlete is one step closer to the home she has longed for.
“Maraming nangungutya sa’kin na ‘di mo ‘yan kaya, pero nandito pa rin ako ngayon at ipinagpatuloy ko pa rin ‘yung passion ko sa pagva-volleyball,” Pinuela said.
“Now, my best friend told me na why not [apply for PVL Draft]? That’s your passion. Go for it. Follow your passion, follow your dream, and follow your goal in life.”
Battle-tested and all in the real world, it’ll be her uplifting spirit which she’s ready to offer to any team that will take a chance on her come draft night.
Pinuela has fought the toughest fights then, and at her age, she has no plans of backing down now.
“’Yung mako-contribute ko, yung pagiging positive ko. Ipu-push ko yung team ko, mga kasama ko na laban lang, never give up, and always fight with our best,” Pinuela said.
“I’m 39 years old right now, but age is just a number for me. This is my first time na mag-join sa PVL and I just really went for it.”
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