Creamline player Jia De Guzman is optimistic about her chances of being drafted in the Korean Volleyball League Asian Quota draft.
Even if she doesn't get picked, she is confident that her team will support her. She said, “Whether I got it or not, I know I have the team’s backing naman.”
De Guzman is not alone in her pursuit of a spot in the KVL draft. Other Filipina players such as Mylene Paat, Dindin Santiago-Manabat, MJ Phillips, Iris Tolenada, and Majoy Baron are also looking to join the draft. On the men's side, Marck Espejo, JP Bugaoan, Manuel Sumanguid III, and Jau Umandal are among the players hoping to be selected.
The face-to-face tryouts for the draft were cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns, so the players are relying on video submissions. The drafting will take place in the third week of April, and De Guzman is focusing on the Philippine women's national volleyball team's preparations for the upcoming 32nd Southeast Asian Games while she waits for the results.
De Guzman will be joined by several Creamline teammates, including Alyssa Valdez and Jema Galanza, on the national team.
She said, "Right now, I'm really just focusing on the national team because our next target is the SEA Games and we are really trying to get a podium finish."
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, De Guzman is excited to train with her Creamline teammates and players from other teams.
She said, "We also want to bring what we learned from the conference and add more firepower from the stars of other teams, so we are excited to play with players from other teams as well."
De Guzman's determination and positive attitude are an inspiration to volleyball fans everywhere. Whether she gets drafted or not, she will continue to work hard and give her all for her team and her country.
