SYDNEY Niegos was already preparing to step away from volleyball when an unexpected call changed her plans.
Just before the start of the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference, the 25 year old had parted ways with Capital1, as the Solar Spikers underwent a major offseason overhaul that saw several mainstays exit the team.
Niegos then secured a corporate job and was attending a seminar when Capital1 head coach Jorge Souza de Brito reached out and offered her a chance to return.
“One day, kumuha na ako ng work, natanggap na ako tapos tinawagan niya 'ko habang nasa seminar na 'ko, nakapasa na 'ko, nag-tetest na 'ko, ganyan,” the opposite hitter shared.
“Hindi ako nagdalawang-isip kasi iba po kapag coach na ‘yung tumawag sayo, hindi lang ‘yung management. Ayaw ko naman po masayang ‘yung opportunity dahil alam niyo naman po na sa volleyball, iilan lang ‘yung makakapasok sa pro, so grinab ko po.”
Adjustment from the adjustment
After rejoining the Solar Spikers, Niegos faced the challenge of regaining her rhythm and earning her spot in a revamped lineup that now features bigger names.
The former Jose Rizal University standout admitted that returning to form was not easy, especially after spending nearly a month away from training.
“Every time na pumupunta ako sa training, alam ni coach ‘yun, nahirapan po ako bumalik kasi one month nga po akong off [sa volleyball],” she said.
“Talagang tinanggap ko lahat ng galit niya, sinisigawan niya 'ko na dapat ito ‘yung ginagawa, as in lagi po talaga kami nag-aaway. Lagi niya akong pinapagalitan tapos tinatanggap ko po lahat.”
Her hard work bore fruit last Thursday, as she delivered a career-best 20 points in Capital1’s five-set win over Farm Fresh, a performance that highlighted her steady return to form.
READ: Belen finds help from Niegos as Capital1 stuns Farm Fresh
With her current contract nearing its end, Niegos said she remains focused on making the most of every opportunity given to her in what now feels like borrowed time.
“Kahit masakit, pinu-push ko ‘yung sarili ko kasi mag-e-end na ‘yung contract ko,” she said.
“Kailangan maipakita ko na even if you remove me, it’s ok kasi naranasan ko na mag-career-high, mag-player of the game, ganyan. ‘Yun lang naman po ‘yung mga pangarap ko dahil nasa pro na ako.”
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