Jade Fuentes was supposed to play a role in De La Salle University’s future in the UAAP after committing to the program in April 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, the Filipino-American never got the chance to showcase her talent in the country’s premier collegiate league, serving as a COVID reserve during UAAP Season 84’s bubble tournament.
She eventually returned to the United States to continue her collegiate career with Rio Hondo College and later California State University Dominguez Hills in NCAA Division II.
Now, the 6-foot wing spiker is set to return to the Philippines through the 2026 Premier Volleyball League Draft, bringing with her the experience she gained in the United States.
“I always knew that I wanted to come back to the Philippines after playing at DLSU for Season 84. And once I was there, since it was COVID and it was just a bubble and you could only go from the dorm to the gym, I wasn’t really getting the full UAAP experience and also college experience,” shared Fuentes.
“So I knew that I wanted to go back home (United States) and spend time with my family, but then always come back to the Philippines. So that’s always been a part of my plan, hopefully enter the PVL and play,” she continued.
(C) PVL Images
Fuentes developed into a more complete player during her time in the United States, earning First Team All-Conference honors in the 2023–24 season while leading Rio Hondo to its first conference title.
She also served as team captain during her stint with Cal State Dominguez Hills.
Speaking during Day 1 of the Draft Combine on Thursday, Fuentes said her U.S. experience gave her an edge heading into the PVL.
“I think the fact that I’ve had experience playing in the U.S., where the average height is probably around 6-foot-2, and so I’m playing against blockers that are 6-foot-2, 6-foot-4, and so on,” said Fuentes, one of the 42 PVL draftees on June 3.
“So I have experience playing against very big blockers and also big girls, as in like they’re tall. And so I definitely have good vision of blocks and how to score against those players.”
