Jema Galanza faces an uncertain road ahead as she battles a major foot injury that has cast doubt on her availability for the remainder of the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference.
The former league MVP had been managing lingering pain in her left foot for the past year, but it worsened during the PVL Invitational Conference two months ago, prompting her to undergo an MRI to determine the extent of the injury.
“One year na siyang masakit, so nitong Invitational, parang ‘yung pain niya kasi every day ko na siya nafi-feel,” said Galanza, who was left out of Creamline’s lineup for the import-laced tournament, after the Cool Smashers’ four-set win over Petro Gazz on Tuesday.
“Parang sinabihan ko na ‘yung PT ko na parang hindi na siya normal. So pina-MRI ko na, and then ‘yun nga may nakita ng something.”
It turned out to be the right decision, as playing through the pain could have worsened the damage — and potentially jeopardized her entire career.
“‘Yun din ‘yung sabi sa’kin ng doctor na delikado rin if tinuloy ko kasi mas malaking chance na mag-end ‘yung career kapag lumala siya. So mas nag-focus kami dun sa mas mag-heal na lang siya kesa isugal namin na hindi namin alam kung hanggang saan tatagal,” she shared.
(C) PVL Images
The 28-year-old outside hitter has now shifted her full attention to recovery.
Galanza has been wearing a walking boot to protect her injured foot as she continues her therapy and rehabilitation — a process she knows will take time, but one she’s determined to complete.
“Di lang sa’kin, siguro sa lahat ng athlete naman ‘pag may nafi-feel naman na kahit anong sakit sa katawan, kasi normal naman sa’min talaga, kasama na ‘yung sa trabaho namin. Ilalaro talaga namin hangga’t makakaya,” said the 10-time PVL champion.
“Pero kasi as an athlete din, kailangan din naming isipin ‘yung longevity ng career namin. ‘Yun nga, hindi kasi natin masasabi kung kakayanin ba ‘to o tatagal ba ‘to buong season. Mahirap na mas lumala pa siya, so mas matagal pa ‘yung recovery. Hindi natin alam kung ‘yung balik ko ba one hundred percent or mas okay ba,” she continued.
As of now, there is still no timetable for her return. Galanza said she is leaving everything in the hands of her doctors and therapists as she focuses on allowing her foot to heal completely.
“Wala pa eh. Mahirap kasi siyang isugal kasi hindi nga namin alam kung naghi-heal na ba siya or saang stage na ‘yung injury ko. Kung naghi-heal na ba siya o naghi-heal pa lang or malala pa rin siya,” she said.
“So ang ano talaga namin ng coaches and ng PT na mag-focus talaga sa heal ng bone. Hindi ko alam kung hanggang kailan ako naka-boot.”
