By: Christian David Ruiz
Despite lingering doubts about his height, Josh Ybañez’s flourishing volleyball career has inspired many through his exceptional performance, passion, and dedication.
In volleyball, where height is often perceived as might, the 5-foot-7 Ybañez continues to be a source of inspiration for players who are considered undersized, including 17-year-old Kim Liray, who plays for VNS in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.
Standing at 5-foot-7, Liray shared that he looks up to the two-time UAAP MVP for his exceptional leaping ability and skill, proving that height isn’t a limitation in reaching success on the court.
(C) Nicks Hernandez/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
“Kasi pareho po kasi kami maliit, tas yung meron lang po kami yung talon po kaya siya po kasi matalon na siya tas maliit po sya same po kami. Pero magaling po kasi sya maglaro kaya sya po yung nilu-look up ko ngayon na player,” said Liray after VNS’ win against Martelli Meats last Sunday.
Despite being relatively smaller compared to opposing spikers, Liray carries big dreams, and like Ybañez, he is eager to make a name for himself.
The outside hitter from Bukidnon plans to give his all this Invitational Conference as he looks to catch the attention of collegiate coaches and potentially secure a scholarship in the Metro to further his volleyball career at the next level.
“Paglalaro po sa Spikers’ Turf, gusto ko po na makilala po ako ng mga coaches sa college po kasi maliit po kasi ako, ‘di po ako mapapansin agad. Gusto ko po na ano, sumikat po ako dito sa Spikers’ Turf para mapanood po ako ng mga ibang coaches sa college,” Liray said.
“Tas gusto ko po sumikat, sa Bukidnon po kasi wala pang volleyball player na sumikat po dun samin, gusto ko po na maging kauna-unahan po na sumikat po,” he added.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Determined to improve his skills, Liray dared to leave his hometown and joined VNS Savouge in the PNVF Under 18 Volleyball Championship and now, the Griffins in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.
“Nandun lang po ako palagi sa dugout po namin araw-araw po ako nagte-training, nagwe-weights, tas ‘di po ako umuuwi samin magtu-two years na po akong nandito lang po sa Maynila, iyon po isang pong dahilan na ayaw ko pong umuwi, kasi gusto ko pong mag-improve,”
The young outside hitter helped propel VNS to its first victory in the tournament with 14 points all on attacks, against the Master Butchers, 25-21, 25-17, 29-27, at the Ynares Sports Arena.
“Yung family ko po, kasi gusto ko po makita na proud na proud po sila sakin. Tas gusto ko po sumikat, sa Bukidnon po kasi wala pang volleyball player na sumikat po dun samin, gusto ko po na maging kauna-unahan po na sumikat po.”
