At just 16 years old, Ho Thi Bich Diep of Ho Chi Minh City is learning that the Premier Volleyball League is a different kind of classroom.
Ho has found herself going toe-to-toe with battle-tested veterans in the 2026 PVL Invitational Conference, facing players who have spent years competing at the highest level of Philippine volleyball.
“I felt like I was being picked on quite a bit, and I was really trying hard to keep up with this high level of play,” Ho said moments after their four-set victory over defending champion PLDT on Thursday night.
The challenge has been even greater as she adjusts to playing alongside older and more experienced teammates. But instead of allowing the pressure to overwhelm her, the young outside hitter has embraced every opportunity to learn.
“As a young player and a rookie on the team, it was definitely challenging, but I’m grateful for the more experienced veterans on the court who constantly reminded me, pushed me, and gave me the support I needed,” she said.
(C) PVL Images
Ho showed just how quickly those lessons are translating onto the court, erupting for 18 points as Ho Chi Minh City finally broke through for its first win of the tournament with a 28-26, 18-25, 25-21, 25-16 victory over the High Speed Hitters.
“As I mentioned after the previous match, as one of the younger players, I really had a good experience playing alongside older and more experienced players. I was able to understand the high technical level, recognize different attack patterns, and learn how to adjust and adapt to this level of play,” Ho said.
And with every challenge comes a little more confidence.
The support of her teammates has allowed Ho to settle down on the court and play with greater freedom, giving her the chance to show what she can do despite her inexperience.
“For tonight’s game, I’m really happy that I had the support and trust of my teammates. They allowed me to play freely and motivated me to accomplish what I did tonight,” Ho said.
Ho knows there is still plenty of room for growth, but for a 16-year-old experiencing the intensity of the PVL for the first time, every rally is another step forward.
As the tournament continues, she hopes to turn the lessons she has learned from seasoned veterans into greater confidence and a bigger contribution to Ho Chi Minh City.
“For the upcoming games, I’ll continue to support the team, and hopefully, I can score more and contribute even more to our success.”
