PIA Ildefonso has called it quits with Farm Fresh upon announcing the end of her two-year stint.
READ: Farm Fresh signs Italian Alessandro Lodi as PVL's fourth foreign coach
The 22-year-old ex-Ateneo defender and daughter of PBA legend Danny penned her parting note to the team which also alluded to a departure from the sport altogether, as she ‘[closes] this chapter with a grateful and cheerful heart.’
“When I stepped into the pros, my goal was to find my purpose and carve out a place in this world. I may not have medals to show or titles to boast, but what I gained is far greater—growth, grit, and a deeper sense of who I am today,” Ildefonso wrote on social media.
“No long messages—just thank you, volleyball! Thank you to everyone who supported me throughout my journey—thank you thank you from the bottom of my heart.
“The world is zo zo zooo big, and there’s so much more out there to discover and experience. Here’s to new beginnings and all the amazing things God has in store next!”
Fresh start incoming
With a rebuild imminent, Ildefonso becomes the fifth Foxies player to depart the team in the current offseason.
The veteran quartet of Ckyle Tagsip, Janel Delerio, AJ Jingco, and Jane Gonzales all parted ways with Farm Fresh two weeks ago, signaling a major roster overhaul in the months to come.
Like Tagsip, Ildefonso was part of the first-ever Farm Fresh squad that debuted back in the 2023 PVL Invitational Conference where she was converted from her traditional middle blocker role to an outside hitter for the most part.
The Foxies finished dead last in the team standings that conference without a win at 0-5.
Also indicative of the team’s intent to start on a clean slate is its most recent head coaching change where it welcomed veteran Italian mentor Alessandro Lodi as new shot-caller.
It was a change that saw Benson Bocboc relegated to deputy coach with a new Italian coaching trio formed in Lodi, mainstay volleyball consultant Fabio Menta, and strength and conditioning coach Carlo Buzzichelli.
For the second year running, Farm Fresh is also assured of at least a top four pick in the 2025 PVL Draft where its major team rebuild is expected to take a fresh step forward.
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