Fifi Sharma finds herself sharing the court with one of her idols – the accomplished middle blocker, Ced Domingo.
A 22-year-old rising star, Sharma is not only excited but ready to absorb the wealth of experience and skill that Domingo brings to their team, Akari.
During her stint in the UAAP, Sharma would diligently watch highlights of prominent middle blockers, using them as a source of inspiration and a guide to refine her own game.
Among these volleyball luminaries, Domingo stood out, and now, the opportunity to don the same jersey as her role model has materialized.
"Very excited super kasi nung I was playing in the UAAP, I usually use her as a reference, inspiration kasi she’s one of the best middle blockers in the PVL," shared Sharma.
The young athlete revealed that she wasted no time reaching out to Domingo after the transfer was announced, expressing her enthusiasm to work together.
"Talagang I always watch her highlights to get tips and techniques kasi medyo same height kami e so I can incorporate her techniques na ginagamit niya sa akin. I’m so excited because I get to work alongside her this conference," she added.
Domingo, a two-time PVL Best Middle Blocker, is set to join Akari in the first week of March after completing her duties with Nakhon Ratchasima in Thailand.
Sharma believes that Domingo's addition, along with veteran outside hitter Grethcel Soltones and rookie libero Max Juangco, will significantly strengthen the Chargers, who aim to bounce back from a seventh-place finish in the previous conference.
As the team prepares for the upcoming challenges, Sharma is optimistic about their chances, confident that the trio's arrival puts Akari in a formidable position to compete for the title against the best teams in the PVL.
“I feel like this conference we’re more equipped to play against other teams kasi talagang we’ve had time to jell and to build closer relationships with each other. So I think this conference magma-manifest siya more inside the court,” said Sharma, whose aspirations extend beyond mere victory.
Aside from the championship title, Sharma emphasizes the team's goal to foster unity.
"One of our goals is we’re as one, like talagang ma-prove sa sarili namin and to each and everyone na we work well as a team. We want to grow more closer with each other," she expressed, highlighting the importance of cohesion in their pursuit of success.
