The Premier Volleyball League (PVL) has truly taken the country by storm. In another manifestation that showed how the league has been attracting attention, 40 players have tried out for possible slots for the coming season and many more have changed teams in hopes of finding the right fit for their talent.
The player transfers and the infusion of new blood is a harbinger of the continued evolution of the league. These developments are expected to raise the caliber of the players, upgrade the standard of play and improve the quality of the competing teams.
This surge in PVL's popularity has not been lost on the league's stars as they prepare for the 2024 tournament. Captains of last conference's finalists - Creamline's Alyssa Valdez and Choco Mucho's Maddie Madayag - believe that the biggest winner at the end of it all is Philippine volleyba
READ: How much do PVL players earn these days?
"I think it’s more for the volleyball community as a whole. Mas magiging mataas ‘yung competition and it’s for the benefit of all teams, knowing that medyo we’re not there yet if we compete against other countries," said Madayag.
"'Yung mga movements ng players, making other teams stronger, it’s beneficial for the whole league, not just for the teams. And I think that’s what we need also para naman may malabas tayo when the time comes na we get to play outside also," she added.
'New challenge, new competition'
For Valdez and the reigning champions Cool Smashers, who welcomed former Flying Titans Bea De Leon and Denden Lazaro-Revilla, such player movements and squad revamps will no doubt bring long-term gains for the future of the sport in the country.
"(For) the other players who have been moving around also and going to other teams, we’re very happy for them. I think they’re trying to look for their new home and we hope to give them a good fight.
"With this new challenge, I think every year, we need a new challenge, new competition. And this is the challenge that I feel like magbibigay ulit sa’tin ng excitement — hindi lang sa mga players but all the fans, all the volleyball community which is very nice," said Valdez.
"Hopefully, it will result in more fans and more support sa volleyball community not only for the professional league but also for the national team. Looking forward din for more teams to come para mas more exciting, more entertaining, and mas maraming magkaroon ng opportunities dito sa ating volleyball league," she added.
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