Pierre Abellana's journey to the professional volleyball stage has been one of resilience and determination, qualities she's ready to showcase with the Farm Fresh Foxies in the PVL.
Selected 16th overall in a draft brimming with talent, Abellana joins a young squad under the stewardship of an all-Japanese coaching staff, a dynamic shift for the young outside hitter.
The Foxies are also set to include the likes of Maicah Larroza, the fourth overall pick, alongside a formidable array of outside hitters such as Kate Santiago, Chinnie Arroyo, Alyssa Bertolano, Pia Ildefonso, and Ypril Tapia.
However, Abellana's versatility might see her contend for a spot as an opposite hitter, vying against the likes of Trisha Tubu and Caitlin Viray.
Her eagerness to prove herself stems from a college career with University of Santo Tomas (UST) that saw limited playing time, a challenge that only fuels her drive further.
“Super motivated, and I have to be super motivated. Kasi in order for me to play with the Foxies… hindi naman po agad ganoon mabibigay ‘yung playing time ko, sa ayun kailangan ko magsipag,” she said moments after getting drafted on Monday at the Novotel.
Standing at 5-foot-4, Abellana showcased her athleticism during the intense two-day Draft Combine last June, ranking among the top performers in one-minute pushups, standing vertical jump, and the 60m shuttle run.
Looking ahead, Abellana anticipates facing former UST teammates, including stars like Eya Laure and Imee Hernandez, in the fiercely competitive PVL arena.
“Ayun, excited po. Kasi for me it’s a new page, lalo na after noong collegiate career ko eto na, super excited po ako na maglaro against sa kanila,” said the Cebuana hitter.
Transitioning into Farm Fresh under head coach Shota Sato, formerly of Kurashiki Ablaze, where UST trained last January, Abellana sees familiarity in the coaching style, offering her an advantage in adapting to new strategies and techniques.
“Siguro there won’t be adjustment for me, kasi sila din po ‘yung team kung saan kami (UST) nag-training camp last year. It is an advantage for me, kasi na-experience ko na kung paano sila magpatraining,” reflected Abellana.
