CAPITAL1 is done waiting for opportunities just to come its way.
Three years into the franchise’s climb in the PVL, Solar Spikers co-owner Milka Romero made one thing clear: if game-changing pieces become available, they intend to make their move.
That was on full display after Cignal’s leave of absence suddenly put former league MVPs Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos on the open market.
READ: Capital1 has 'good problem' with three spikers to carry scoring load
Romero, however, bared that their move was never simply about landing the biggest names available, but more on finding players who can slide into a much larger blueprint.
“Bilang team owners, we make it a point na we take opportunities. It was very much to our surprise din, with everything that has happened, but because we're very much close to our coaches, we know who we need now,” she said.
“We also look at much more, not just sino 'yung [available], but who is fit for our team.”
After spending much of its first few years steadily trying to establish itself, Capital1 is now thinking beyond short-term gains.
“First and foremost, [we need those] who can support what we already have built, not changing the whole system right away, and who is in track with our five-year vision, with our 10-year vision,” she said.
“We cannot make any promises, but we have goals, we have visions and we have now the players that will put that in place.”
Bigger than winning
For Romero and sister Mandy, ownership has never stopped at building a competitive roster, as they also carry the bigger mission of creating a culture that players genuinely want to be part of.
“Journey po ito, from our idea to concept. Very emotional ako because people only see the results on the court. They only see, of course, the stars that we have, the players. But as a team owner, you think about each and every member, down to our coaches, utilities. We are very much invested, not just our time, but our passion to this team,” she said.
“Kaming dalawa ni Mandy, talagang our advocacy to support women in professional sports here in the Philippines is very strong.”
And with Gandler and Santos joining franchise cornerstone Bella Belen, Capital1 is no longer just looking towards tomorrow.
The Solar Spikers are beginning to build like a team looking to make noise today.
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