One of the many rigors that come with being an enlisted Army personnel is the mandatory training.
Army’s ace spiker Jovely Gonzaga could possibly miss participating in the FIVB Women’s Club World Championship due to the Candidate Soldier Training which she, and several other Lady Troopers, will undertake.
Gonzaga revealed that the CST, a six to eight-month course, may start on October 1. The Club World Championship, on the other hand, runs from October 18 to 23.
While Gonzaga is fully committed to play for Foton in the AVC Women’s Club Championships, she is still awaiting further orders from Army for her participation in the Worlds.
“Ang tentative start date ng training is October 1 so hindi ko pa alam doon sa Worlds. Depende pa siguro sa pag-uusap ng LVPI and Army. Pero sa AVC, sure ako,” said the Guimaras native, adding that she is optimistic that her training schedule can still change to accommodate her Worlds stint.
Although playing in a world-level tournament has always been her dream, Gonzaga understands that these types of commitments are part of every military personnel’s life.
“So no cellphones, no connection to the outside world talaga kami habang nasa training kami. Nature ng work namin to kaya hindi na mabigat sa amin ‘to,” remarked the PSL Invitational Cup MVP.
More than anything, Gonzaga is worrried that the long layoff will cause her to lose progress in her still-developing volleyball career.
“Nagwo-worry nga ako kasi nandito na ako sa level na almost hindi na ako naii-stress o nape-pressure sa game ko,” admitted the 24-year-old lefty.
Just recently, Gonzaga carried the Lady Troopers on her back during the final stretch of the PSL All-Filipino Cup. She averaged close to 21 points per game, with nearly double-digit digging and receiving averages, to help Army salvage a bronze finish to their injury-marred season.
“Nakakapanghinayang nga lang kasi ‘yung nangyari sa team ay hindi fault ng kahit sino sa amin – accident lang talaga ‘yung mga injury,” concluded Gonzaga.
“Ako binigay ko lang talaa lahat ko for Army kasi ayaw kong matapos ang season namin ng ganoon lang. At least, hanggang sa huli, lumaban kami.”
