For the better part of the decade — even after her horrific knee injury in 2015, Ara Galang has been one of the best open hitters in the country ranking up there with Alyssa Valdez, Grethcel Soltones, and Rachel Daquis.
However, due to her aforementioned injury and staunch commitment to her college team, the De La Salle University Lady Spikers, Galang has never had a chance to play or just tryout for the National Team.
Now that Galang has healed of her injury and exhausted her UAAP playing years, 2017 can finally see Galang dawning the Philippines’ red, white, blue, and yellow.
The three-time UAAP champion attended the last day of the National Team tryouts for the 2017 SEA Games and AVC Women’s Seniors Championship to formally put her name in the pool.
The former UAAP Season 75 MVP, however, could not yet participate in drills as she had a procedure done on her knee.
“At the end of February pa siguro ako makaka-participate sa drills,” the 22-year-old told Tiebreaker Times.
When asked about the prospects of finally joining the National Team, Galang, who was the best open spiker during the 2016 PSL All Filipino Conference, admits that she had always dreamed playing for the country.
“Matagal ko na talaga siyang goal. Ito naman siguro ‘yung goal nang lahat ng players. Iba din kasi kapag bansa na ‘yung dala mo,” the 5-foot-8 open spiker shared.
She also admitted being disappointed of not being able to join in the past.
“Nakaka-disappoint talaga. Pero maiintindihan mo din na dapat marunong ka mag-prioritize ng mga bagay. In the past talaga, tanggap ko na hindi pa para sa akin maglaro sa National Team.
“Ngayon na may chance na ako, siyempre, ibibigay ko na ‘yung best ko,” the product of Angeles City vowed.
With her length, athleticism, cool on-court persona, and defensive prowess, Galang will be a valuable asset for the future of the Philippine program.
