Judith Abil was ready to turn her back on the sport she loves most after not being renewed by Nxled at the end of the Premier Volleyball League 2023 season.
Abil made her debut with the Chameleons last year and immediately became a fan favorite due to her explosive hits.
But it was short-lived as after the 2023 Second All-Filipino Conference, she was not re-signed by Nxled, leaving her fate hanging in the balance.
“Nung nalaman ko na hindi ako mare-renew sa Nxled, ngayon dapat na year is magwo-work na talaga ako like change career, hindi na magvo-volleyball,” shared Abil during the 2024 PVL Combine for free agents on Tuesday.
“Tatalikuran ko sana this year si volleyball pero nag-open pa rin ‘yung door parang sige volleyball ulit,” added the University of the East product.
This event, held at Gameville Ball Park in Mandaluyong City, offers free agents another chance to return to the country’s only professional volleyball league.
(C) Joaqui Flores/PVL
Abil, who started the year playing with the Comelec Suffragettes in the UNTV Volleyball League, was one of the 11 hopefuls who attended the combine.
The participants underwent tests in anthropometry, strength, jump performance, speed and agility, anaerobic capacity, and speed endurance.
For Abil, this combine is a huge opportunity for players to showcase their skills and capabilities with representatives from PVL teams present during the event.
Day 2 of the combine will be held tomorrow, where the free agents, along with the draft applicants, will participate in scrimmages.
“Sobrang laking opportunity siya para sa aming mga free agents na walang manager na humahawak sa amin para maipakita kung anong meron kaming skills talaga. Like wala kaming backup na tumutulong sa amin, yung skills lang talaga maio-offer namin,” shared Abil, a 5-foot-6 outside hitter.
With a lot of competition for the few spots available on teams, Abil entered the combine with the attitude she’s known for – with a smile.
Unlike the draft applicants, these free agents will be available for direct hire.
“Siguro may rason kung bakit hindi ako na-renew sa Nxled, may reason siguro lahat. Pray lang kung anong resulta nitong lahat,” said Abil.
“Sobrang thankful din po (sa fans). Nung nag labas ang PVL sa free agent, ‘yun din po, maraming nag-message, maraming nag-comment. Parang naglakas loob din na what if magpasa ako sa PVL sa free agent.”
