After several years, Heather Guino-o and Jannine Navarro will finally get the chance to suit up for Capital1 head coach Roger Gorayeb.
Gorayeb, who is coaching San Sebastian in the NCAA, revealed during the Power Spikers’ press conference at the Milky Way Cafe in Makati City that he recruited both players back in high school but Guino-o and Navarro decided to go elsewhere.
The outside spiker out of Imus Institute ended up at Far Eastern University in the UAAP while the 29-year-old middle blocker from Dumaguete joined the Lady Stags’ NCAA rival College of St. Benilde.
“Itong si Heather nire-recruit ko ‘to nung high school eh ‘di naman pumunta sakin. Salbahe netong batang ‘to eh,” said Gorayeb with a laugh.
“Ito (Janine Navarro) pa pala nire-recruit ko rin dati, umayaw rin eh. Dinayo ko pa sa Dumaguete ito.”
Guino-o said that she’s glad to finally get the chance to play for the legendary coach. She also expressed that she is willing to do whatever it takes to help Gorayeb and the Power Spikers make a good impression in their maiden Premier Volleyball League campaign.
The 26-year-old former Lady Tamaraw said that she will bring in the wealth of experience she gained during her time with Pocari Sweat, Tacloban, Creamline, BanKo, PLDT, and Petro Gazz.
“Thankful ako na magiging coach ko si Coach Roger kasi andami kong naririnig na good feedback and kilalang kilala ko na rin si coach Roger and siguro para makahelp din ako sa team and teammates ko,” said Guino-o.
“Sobrang dami ko ng teams na napuntahan and andami ko ding natutunan sa mas veteran sa akin so willing ako ituro rin sa kanila kung anong nakuha ko,” she added.
Meanwhile, Navarro, who went up multiple times against Gorayeb’s San Sebastian during her collegiate career, said that her familiarity with her new coach will be a huge help as she looks to reintroduce herself in the PVL after suiting up for Nxled last year.
The athlete-turned-beauty queen is also confident that Capital1 can put up a good fight in the upcoming Open Conference, despite the lack of time for preparation.
“I’ve been playing naman volleyball since college naging coach din siya ng San Sebastian, kalaban din namin sa NCAA before so I know coach Roger well and marami na rin siyang championship na nahawakan even in the pro league,” said Navarro.
“I believe na kahit medyo last minute siya, kayang kaya habulin kasi kaming athletes kahit off season we know how to maintain our bodies and ourselves so di naman siya ganon kahirap for us to develop. Medyo there’s definitely an adjustment at first but for sure makakaadjust lahat because we have experience naman.”
Joining them are Arianne Layug, Jorelle Singh, Ja Lana, Rovee Instrella, Renesa Melgar, Sydney Niegos, Lourdes Clemente, Shyra Umandal, Cathrina Dizon, Kath Villegas, May Macatuno, Jel Quizon, Rica Rivera, and Bingle Landicho.
“This will be a good opportunity for them to shine and be recognized so we are giving our all-out support to the team,” said Mandy Romero, who heads the family-owned solar energy company.
“My sister (Milka) and I are hoping we can grow together in support of Philippine sports, especially volleyball.”
