Justine Jazareno is juggling multiple roles with grace and determination, carving her path as a professional athlete, a dedicated student, and a proud mother—all while pushing through the challenges that come with each responsibility.
The 24-year-old libero, who made her long-awaited Premier Volleyball League debut for Akari on Saturday, is proving that balancing family, academics, and sports is no easy feat—but it’s a journey she embraces with an unwavering commitment to excel in all aspects of her life.
Sharing defensive specialist duties with Max Juangco, the former De La Salle Green Spiker recorded 10 excellent digs out of 19 attempts. However, the result did not go in the Chargers’ favor as the PLDT High Speed Hitters dominated them, 25-22, 25-16, 25-15.
A prized libero from Ramil de Jesus’ program at La Salle, Jazareno faces high expectations, but she admitted that she still needs time to readjust to the court.
“Siyempre overwhelming siya kasi ang tagal ko ring nawala, halos one year din. Siyempre naninibago ulit ako. On the process,” she said after the loss, which left Akari with a 3-4 record and in eighth place in the standings.
(C) PVL Images
In addition to her volleyball career and motherhood, Jazareno is also continuing her studies at La Salle, working towards a degree in Early Childhood Education.
Although her schedule is incredibly hectic, Jazareno is doing her best to balance her various responsibilities and excel in each one.
“Siguro time management lang. Sa morning hanggang afternoon training kami then I spend time with my baby rin naman after. Also, nagthe-thesis din ako so I have to manage my time din talaga,” she shared.
What makes all the fatigue worthwhile is returning home to her son, who serves as her inspiration to finish her studies and shine on the volleyball court.
“More on mas nadagdagan siya ng inspiration. After training uuwi ka, feeling mo pagod ka, pero pag-uwi mo di ka pagod. Yun lang yung naging additional sa akin.”
