Alohi Robins-Hardy can’t imagine herself playing for any team other than Farm Fresh.
Robins-Hardy expressed deep gratitude for the Foxies’ tremendous effort in nearly realizing her dream of playing in the Philippines again, a dream that means a lot to her.
“No,” said the veteran setter when asked if she envisions playing for another team in the future. “Farm Fresh did their best, Strong Group did their best to get me out here.
“I’ve been wanting to play here [in the Philippines] since I left, so my gratitude is with these guys, with Farm Fresh. As long as they’ll have me, I’ll play for them,” she added.
The 6-foot-2 playmaker, who last played for Cignal in the Philippine Super Liga, returned to the Philippines earlier this year to strengthen Farm Fresh for the upcoming 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
However, she was deemed ineligible to join the PVL through direct hiring, as she had not yet played in the league since it gained professional status in 2021.
The 28-year-old Hawaiian holds no resentment over the league’s decision, affirming her respect for the PVL’s rules.
“I don’t know the PVL rules by heart or in detail… I can’t do anything about it; it’s not in my control or our control. The PVL will say and do what they believe is right, and we’ll stand by that—we won’t fight, we won’t argue.”
Earlier this year, the league issued a memorandum on free agent policies, stating that players who have not competed since the PVL’s professionalization would need to go through the PVL Draft.
The PVL also released a list of active free agents eligible for hiring, but Robins-Hardy’s name was not included, preventing her from being directly signed.
Farm Fresh is already exploring options for how they can best utilize the former HD Spiker, as she has already signed a contract with the team.
“I’m here because I genuinely want to play. I missed the Philippines a lot. When they asked if I wanted to come play, I said of course. I miss the fans, the people, the players,” Robins-Hardy shared.
“I just love playing here. This is like a second home for me. I’m Filipino, and I’m proud of it. I want to play, I love volleyball, and I love playing here for the fans.”
