From the heart of volleyball, the dynamic Romero sisters – Milka and Mandy – are bringing their passion to the world of football.
The team co-owners formally announced their participation in the upcoming PFF Women’s League on Wednesday — a development warmly welcomed by football fans across the country.
This marks the Romero sisters’ second foray into the country’s professional sports scene, having already established a team in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL). Their latest venture is a testament to their unwavering commitment to empowering women through sports.
Hoping to match the intensity and firepower of their PVL squad, the Capital1 Solar Spikers, the Romeros’ new football team will carry the banner of the Capital1 Solar Strikers.
For Milka, the company’s decision to join the Women’s League was an easy one. In fact, it felt like a full-circle moment for her, having once served as co-team captain of the Ateneo women’s football team during her college days.
“It has always been my dream to give back to the football community that helped shape me in the past 20 years of being an athlete. I especially want to empower women in sports because ang daming talented athletes na kailangan lang ng right opportunity para mag-excel,” said Milka Romero during a press conference at Out Of Office Bar in BGC, Taguig City.
The event was graced by PFF President John Gutierrez and other sports officials.
“It’s time to help the next generation reach their dreams, and I’m excited to be part of that journey,” she added.
Mandy, the younger of the two sports-loving sisters, shared her sister’s excitement.
“As we mark our first year in women’s volleyball with the Capital1 Solar Spikers, we are more committed than ever to expanding opportunities for Filipina athletes,” said Mandy Romero.
“That’s why we’re stepping into professional women’s football—not just to build a team, but to be part of the movement pushing women’s sports forward,” she added.
In hopes of getting off to a dream start, the Romeros announced that multi-titled Far Eastern University coach Let Dimzon will lead a squad blending youthful energy and veteran experience.
Among the local talents Dimzon is relying on are Judie Arevalo, Yasmin Elauria, Regine Rebosura, Hazel Lustan, and Lyka Teves.
The Romeros also revealed that the Solar Strikers will be reinforced by top-notch foreign players: Emma Young and Arianna Del Moral.
Young is a standout defender from Mississippi College, where she was named the 2021 GSC Defensive Player of the Year and a United Soccer Coaches First-Team All-American.
Over her collegiate career, she made 80 appearances, logged over 6,000 minutes, and earned multiple All-Region and Academic accolades.
Del Moral adds depth and versatility to the midfield. She boasts a wealth of experience from both U.S. and Maltese football leagues, having played for Minnesota Aurora, the University of Minnesota, and St. Cloud State.
Meanwhile, Lustan is a dynamic midfielder who earned a spot on the UAAP Season 79 Mythical Team in 2017 and was named PFF Women’s League Best Midfielder in 2018.
She has proudly represented the Philippines in international competitions, including the 2019 Southeast Asian Games and the 2024 ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championship.
Teves, a lethal striker from La Salle, emerged as one of the top goal-scorers in the 2023 PFF Women’s League with an impressive tally of 18 goals. Her scoring prowess has been key to DLSU’s strong performances in recent seasons.
Elauria, an exceptional goalkeeper, earned the Best Goalkeeper award in the 2023 PFF Women’s League, UAAP Season 87, and the United Women’s Invitational Football League. Her skills in front of the net have been crucial to FEU’s success in recent years.
With the Romero sisters’ passion and determination combined with the talented roster they’ve assembled, expect the Capital1 Solar Strikers to bring the energy and excitement that will make women’s football even more vibrant and competitive.
