MONTALBAN, RIZAL — The moment Imee Hernandez had waited nearly two years for finally came on Saturday afternoon at the Ynares Center.
With nerves and emotion, the 5-foot-11 middle blocker stepped back onto the Premier Volleyball League taraflex, ending a grueling 20-month journey of recovery and rediscovery.
It was November 11, 2023, when Hernandez last suited up. That day, a sudden misstep on a routine attack left her crumpled on the court with a left knee injury—one that would sideline her indefinitely and test her both physically and mentally. But on this day, wearing Chery Tiggo’s familiar colors once again, Hernandez didn’t just return. She competed.
And she made sure everyone knew she was back.
Still finding her rhythm, Hernandez delivered an efficient eight-point performance in just three sets, providing much-needed spark as the Crossovers fended off a resilient Capital1 side in four sets, 20-25, 25-23, 25-12, 28-26, to improve their standing in Pool B of the 2025 PVL On Tour.
“Kanina nandoon pa rin ‘yung takot pero siyempre kailangan natin i-overcome kasi ako lang din naman sa sarili ko makakagawa ng paraan,” said Hernandez, speaking candidly about the mental hurdles that still linger.
Her presence on the floor was more than just a stat line. It was a reminder of how far she had come. The UST product’s journey wasn’t just about healing a knee—it was about reclaiming confidence and rediscovering identity after months of silence and self-doubt.
“Simula pa lang after nung surgery, talagang hinanda ko sarili ko kasi alam ko sa sarili ko na hindi magiging madali ‘yung process to recovery,” she shared.
When Hernandez rejoined team training on January 24, it signaled the beginning of her second wind. But the road from rehab to game shape wasn’t linear. There were days of doubt, fatigue, and uncertainty—none of which she shied away from. In those moments, it was the unwavering support of her teammates, coaches, and medical staff that pulled her through.
“Nandoon naman ‘yung [strength and conditioning coaches] namin, ‘yung PTs namin all throughout the game. Ramdam ko naman ‘yung kumpiyansa na binibigay sa akin ng teammates ko and especially ‘yung coaches ko. Kaya sobrang thankful ako,” Hernandez said.
As she took her first official serve reception and first block attempt of the match, the emotions began to swell. After all the hours spent in therapy rooms, watching from the sidelines, and mentally rehearsing her return, it finally hit her: she was back.
“Kanina lang din nag-synch in sa akin na maglalaro na ako today. Naiiyak ako kanina kasi sabi ko parang nag-flashback sa akin lahat ng pinagdaanan ko. Kino-communicate ko din sa mga ates. Nandoon sila, sinasabi nila na nandiyan sila for me and happy sila for me.”
