If Farm Fresh formally includes Alohi Robins-Hardy in its lineup, the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) will require her to go through the rookie draft before debuting on the court.
Sherwin Malonzo, chairman of the PVL Control Committee, clarified the league’s stance on Robins-Hardy’s eligibility at the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference press conference at Novotel Manila on Monday afternoon.
“Kung na-settle, it should be… They asked, but it was more of a verbal inquiry. So we’re unsure of their direction. Baka naman ili-lineup as coaching staff pa lang, hindi ko alam,” Malonzo said, explaining the potential for her to join the league and the conditions involved.
He added, “Ang inannounce magiging part siya, maglalaro pero could be practice player. Walang formal, malinaw na kung ano gagawin sa kanya. Kung ila-lineup, babalik ako sa regulations namin which is she has to go through the draft.”
Farm Fresh announced the addition of the 28-year-old Filipina-American playmaker late last month, sparking questions about her eligibility.
Unlike Lorene Toring, who joined the Foxies just before the 2024 PVL Rookie Draft, Robins-Hardy hasn’t been listed by any PVL team since the league turned professional in 2021.
Meanwhile, Jewelle Bermillo – despite having played for BaliPure in 2019 – still needed to enter the draft since the league was not yet under the Games and Amusements Board back then.
(C) PVL Images
Thus, to make her debut in the PVL, she must go through the Rookie Draft next year.
“Alohi is a good addition to our league. She’s a good player, but because of the regulations we set earlier this year, and all the teams are aware of this, you have to have played from 2021 until 2024,” Malonzo stated.
“If you were part of any team’s lineup during that period, you’re considered a veteran player and don’t need to go through the draft.”
Robins-Hardy last played for Cignal in the now-defunct Philippine Super Liga.
