The Korean Volleyball League Women's division is set to welcome another Filipina talent as Iris Tolenada, the skilled 5-foot-9 setter from F2 Logistics, gears up to join GS Caltex Seoul as their latest Asian quota import.
The announcement of Tolenada's signing came as a surprise on Friday when GS Caltex Seoul revealed that she would be replacing Soraya Phomla, a setter from Thailand, as their import player.
This move marks an exciting new chapter in the former V-League Best Setter's career, and she is eager to embrace the challenge of representing Seoul on the volleyball court.
Tolenada's journey to securing a spot in the Korean league wasn't without hurdles. She was one of the six Filipino athletes who participated in the league's historic first-ever Asian quota draft.
However, luck was not on her side, as she wasn't drafted by any of the seven squads on that occasion.
The sole Filipina who secured a spot in the draft was MJ Phillips, who was skillfully picked by Gwangju AI Peppers in the fifth overall selection.
Previously, GS Caltex had initially chosen Medi Yoku, a talented outside hitter from Indonesia, as their Asian quota import.
While her arrival is scheduled for August, Tolenada is currently listed on the Cargo Movers' roster for the ongoing Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference.
