Jia De Guzman and Maddie Madayag have officially parted ways with their respective teams in Japan’s SV.League, opting not to renew their contracts for the upcoming season.
De Guzman, who spent the last two seasons with the Denso Airybees, will now shift her focus to the upcoming national team campaign with Alas Pilipinas. However, Denso’s 2024–25 season is still ongoing, with the team slated to face Ageo Medics in the quarterfinals.
“I’m really grateful to Denso, the hardworking staff, my wonderful teammates, and all our fans for two seasons of trust, love, and support,” said De Guzman, an eight-time Premier Volleyball League Best Setter with Creamline.
“Everything I’ve learned here in Denso has really helped in my growth as a person and an athlete. I will always cherish and bring it with me in my future endeavors, especially for Philippine volleyball,” she added.
“LI will have the chance to focus on the 2025 National Team campaign of the Philippines after the SV.League season, so I thank everyone for their continued support.”
(C) Joaqui Flores/PVL
Meanwhile, Madayag’s stint with the Kurobe AquaFairies concluded after the team finished 12th in the standings with a 15–29 record in the elimination round.
The former Choco Mucho middle blocker expressed her gratitude to Kurobe for giving her the opportunity to fulfill her dream of playing overseas, while also reigniting a bit of nostalgia by allowing her to wear blue again—a nod to her collegiate days with the Ateneo de Manila University in the UAAP.
“And that’s a wrap! Thank you Kurobe Aqua Fairies for the chance to live out one of my dreams,” said Madayag.
“Although a different shade, it’s been a pleasure donning a blue jersey once again.”
Both De Guzman and Madayag are reportedly on the radar of head coach Jorge De Brito for the Alas Pilipinas Women’s National Team pool.
De Guzman was a key figure in the Philippines’ bronze-medal finish at the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Women.
