After concluding their first conference together, Japanese head coach Taka Minowa of Nxled already feels convinced that up-and-coming outside hitter Ivy Lacsina has all the tools to become one of the best volleyball players – not just in the Philippines, but at the Asian level.
Minowa was all praise for Lacsina following Nxled’s tough stand against Petro Gazz, 25-22, 23-25, 23-25, 22-25 last Saturday, concluding their 2024 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference campaign.
“Actually, she has a lot of potential. She can be one of the best players in the Philippines and also, I can say, at the Asian level because the national team is not yet complete,” said Minowa.
“So for now, I really want her to be a top player in the Philippines first, and hopefully, she can play abroad.”
Lacsina dropped a career-high 28 points on 21 attacks, four blocks, and three aces, along with nine excellent receptions and eight excellent digs.
Her performance helped the Chameleons stand toe-to-toe against the powerhouse Angels, who are on their way to the round-robin semifinals.
Despite her impressive showing, Minowa believes that Lacsina still needs to be more consistent moving forward if she wants to realize her dream of playing abroad.
Furthermore, Minowa also emphasized that Lacsina must trust in her potential and remain focused on her goal.
“Also, I think she has a dream to play abroad. She needs to improve more. Sometimes good, sometimes bad – she’s still young and I understand because young players are like that,” said the husband of Filipina volleyball superstar Jaja Santiago.
“Hopefully, she can understand how much potential she has. She can do anything. Pass, dig, attack, block… I hope she trusts her potential,” he added.
Lacsina admitted that she is still far from reaching that dream, expressing her desire to continue growing and achieving a lot with Nxled before taking the next step.
“Siyempre sobrang, sobrang layo pa po. Kakasimula ko lang po sa pro eh, siyempre hindi naman yun agad-agad,” said the National University product.
“Marami pa po akong gustong gawin with Nxled, kaya parang yun talaga masasabi ko – malayong malayo pa po.”
