By: Ernest Tuazon
Leila Cruz is poised to bring a heightened learning mentality to the PVL squads interested in her services ahead of the league’s inaugural draft scheduled for Monday, July 8.
Cruz acknowledged her eagerness to learn as she embarks on her first professional volleyball stint, aiming for a full recovery from an ACL injury that sidelined her for most of UAAP Season 85 and all of Season 86.
“Ang mao-offer ko is yung willingness ko to learn, especially kakabalik ko lang, alam ko sa sarili ko na marami pa rin ako dapat matutunan,” the 6-foot opposite spiker from La Salle told reporters during the PVL Draft Combine held at Gameville Ballpark in Sheridan, Mandaluyong.
“Siguro yung willingness ko to learn to become a better player, malaki na rin yung magiging help po.”
(C) PVL Images
On her journey toward completing her undergraduate degree at La Salle, Cruz noted that this educational milestone signaled her readiness to pursue a professional volleyball career.
Cruz was among the 47 applicants at the inaugural PVL Draft, alongside fellow La Salle standouts Thea Gagate, Julia Coronel, and Maicah Larroza.
“Yung one main factor kung bakit ako umalis na ng DLSU is because of my studies, almost done na rin naman po with my undergraduate [degree], so I think ‘yon na po yung signal sa akin to take the next step,” Cruz explained.
Before making this decision, Cruz ensured she bid a proper farewell to her Lady Spikers teammates and coaching staff led by decorated tactician Ramil de Jesus.
With four La Salle players departing, Alas Pilipinas opposite spiker and UAAP Season 85 Rookie-MVP Angel Canino is set to lead La Salle’s redemption journey in the UAAP.
“Super okay naman po kasi ‘yon po talaga yung goal ko. If umalis ako, gusto ko super okay yung relationship ko po with my teammates and with my coaches, ‘yon po talaga yung pinaka inuna ko po,” she said.
