Jia De Guzman, once a promising youngster in the shadows of veterans like Rhea Dimaculangan and Kim Fajardo, has now stepped into a pivotal leadership role.
Named captain of the newly-formed Alas Pilipinas, De Guzman is set to guide a youthful squad in the upcoming 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Women.
Despite the daunting responsibility, De Guzman finds leading the team of rising stars—including Eya Laure, Angel Canino, Thea Gagate, and Julia Coronel—to be a manageable task.
"It took a while for me to process that na kami na ‘yung seniors sa team but at the same time, we were raised very well by the seniors in the past when we were young once," De Guzman shared.
De Guzman emphasizes that her role as captain is supported by a collective leadership within the team.
"For me, being a team captain is just a formality because I have other seniors helping me out and even the young ones are ready to take their role very well. It’s not hard leading a team with so many leaders inside," she noted.
The 29-year-old setter recently added an international accolade to her resume, helping the Denso Airybees secure the 2024 Japan V. Cup against Hitachi Astemo.
Her experience in Japan has been transformative, especially in appreciating the 'simplicity' and efficiency of Japanese volleyball, lessons she intends to impart to her team.
"I think one of the strengths of Japan volleyball is how simple they play—how simple but very efficient. So that’s one thing that we’re trying to teach to every member of the team now," De Guzman explained. She added that the coaching philosophy of Alas Pilipinas aligns with these principles, making the transition smoother.
"Actually even coach Jorge’s system is the same so from the coaching staff also sobrang clear nila sa kung anong goals ang gusto nilang gawin for the team and nagtutugma naman ‘yun sa mga napulot ko from my Japan stint."
As she steers her youthful squad into competition, De Guzman’s blend of experience and fresh perspective aims to bring a new era of success to Philippine volleyball.
