After struggling to find consistent playing time in her first two stints in the league, Rachel Austero has finally found a team that feels like home in Capital1.
Austero saw limited action during Chery Tiggo’s championship run in the 2021 Premier Volleyball League Open Conference, playing behind Jaja Santiago, Maika Ortiz, and Joy Dacoron.
She eventually moved to PLDT a couple of years later.
However, her situation didn’t improve much with the High Speed Hitters, whose frontline remains one of the deepest in the league with the likes of Majoy Baron, Dell Palomata, and Mika Reyes.
“Actually, coming from another team. Siyempre, may mga veterans and ates ako dun,” the 28-year-old middle blocker from Saint Benilde said, recalling her past experiences.
Things finally began to change when she joined the Solar Spikers, where Austero has steadily emerged as a key contributor for the up-and-coming Capital1 squad.
Freed from the depth charts that once limited her minutes, she has embraced a larger role both on the court and in the locker room — helping Capital1 make its mark in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference.
“It’s so nice to gain their trust, coach Jorge’s trust. Ang saya lang na parang included ka, so I found a home here, and it’s so nice. People here are so welcoming. Ang dami ko pang natutunan,” she shared.
(C) PVL Images
On Tuesday night, Austero once again proved her worth. She stepped up in a spot start during the team’s crucial 25-23, 26-24, 25-19 victory over Choco Mucho, a win that sealed Capital1’s spot inside the top three of Pool A.
She finished with eight points and six excellent digs.
“I mean, words can’t explain yung excitement. Siguro yung naramdaman ko, emotions ko ngayon — halo-halo, because yun, yung na-cut actually yung shin ko and everything. Pero ‘yung papunta kami sa dulo, nakita ko yung fighting spirit and yung camaraderie ng lahat,” said Austero.
“As in, like, ang sarap, ang sarap na part ganun. And also, if you really just trust the process and trust yung system ni coach, andale, dumadali yung buong laro,” she added.
Beyond her growing presence on the court, Austero has also embraced her role as a mentor while continuing to learn from the veterans around her.
“Actually, as an Ate, parang kailangan ko rin talaga i-guide sila. Pero sabi nga nila, one of the interview, sabi, ‘As an Ate, anong feeling?’ Ganyan, ganyan. Sabi ko, actually, ang gaan kasi hindi lang ako yung magtuturo sa kanila. Kasi sila rin, may natututunan ako talaga, especially Bella and all the veterans din na part ng Capital1. So, ang saya lang,” she said.
For Austero, finding a place where she can both contribute and grow has reignited her love for the game — and she’s determined to make every moment count with the Solar Spikers.
“As in, sabi ko nga, ang gaan lang. Ang gaan maglaro. Ang gaan lang. The fire is still there sa lahat pa.”
