PLDT standout Savannah Davison remains undecided despite receiving a well-earned invitation to join the Alas Pilipinas program.
Davison, along with Petro Gazz star Brooke Van Sickle, received formal invites from the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) to join the national team.
The invitation comes less than a year after both players expressed their intent to represent the Philippines in international competitions.
The Fil-Canadian outside hitter expressed her gratitude for the consideration but admitted she is still weighing several factors before making a decision.
“I was very honoured to even be in the conversation to begin with, let alone to be invited,” Davison told Tiebreaker Times via text message.
“All I want to accomplish here is to be able to contribute to the volleyball community given my experiences in other gyms in different countries — and to also learn what Philippine volleyball is and how it is played.”
(C) PVL Images
Davison, who missed the entire Reinforced Conference due to a knee injury, revealed that her health and time with her family in Toronto are key considerations in her decision-making process.
“I am still uncertain,” she said. “There are a couple of factors that play into this decision — considering time off and away from the sport, having to manage bodily and mental health, and the time I would be able to go home and spend with my family.”
She also acknowledged the long-term implications of switching federations.
“I believe it’s a decision that will resonate over the years, given the uncertainty at the moment. For example, if I change my federation, this will impact my ability to ever play for Team Canada again. So making this one decision will dictate what I do from here on out,” she explained.
Davison remains under Volleyball Canada, while Van Sickle is still affiliated with USA Volleyball.
PVL president and PNVF National Teams chairman Ricky Palou stated that the federation will begin processing the transfer of both players once they confirm their commitment to Alas Pilipinas.
Regardless of her decision, Davison emphasized that her priority remains with the High Speed Hitters.
“My first priority is being 100% for PLDT. With this, it is not personal to the National Team Program here — just more of a decision that needs to be thought through thoroughly, considering the length of the PVL conference, training by camp, etc.”
Alas Pilipinas will begin preparations for the AVC Challenge Cup, the Southeast Asian V.League, and the Southeast Asian Games following the ongoing PVL All-Filipino Conference.
