Leila Cruz, chosen as the No. 2 pick by Capital1 in the inaugural PVL Draft, is eager for the opportunity to be mentored by another veteran Philippine volleyball coach, this time under the guidance of Roger Gorayeb.
Previously coached by La Salle’s Ramil de Jesus during her three-year stint with the Lady Spikers in the UAAP, Cruz now looks forward to working with long-time San Sebastian head coach Gorayeb as part of the Solar Spikers in the PVL.
“Super nakakatuwa na mahandle nilang dalawa kasi we all know naman na parehas silang veteran sa larangan ng volleyball,” Cruz told reporters during the inaugural PVL Draft held at the Novotel Manila Araneta City on Monday.
Having won a UAAP championship under De Jesus in Season 85, Cruz aims to make a significant impact as Capital1’s top draft pick in the PVL’s history.
Capital1 had only one win in 11 games during the previous All-Filipino conference.
“I’ll try my best talaga to bring justice doon sa top two pick na binigay nila to me and I will do everything na makakaya ko para mabigyan ng mas better finish this season ang Capital1,” Cruz added.
Cruz will team up with Heather Guino-O, Cathrina Dizon, Janeca Lana, and Russian import Marina Tushova in the upcoming Reinforced Conference, kicking off on July 16.