After honing her craft in the United States and showcasing her skills across Europe, Filipino-American setter Tia Andaya is now setting her sights on home soil, eager to make waves in the Premier Volleyball League.
The 24-year-old playmaker, whose volleyball journey began at Gonzaga University before transferring to Central Washington University, brings with her a wealth of international experience.
Andaya turned pro with SK Tirana in Albania and later suited up for CSM Lugoj in Romania.
Now, she’s embracing the opportunity to grow her game in the Philippines — a move inspired by her stint with the national team, Alas Pilipinas.
“I’m not sure about my expectations, to be honest. I think this is a really new experience for me,” said Andaya, who jumped straight from national team duties to the PVL Rookie Combine last Friday.
“I’m super excited to see what it’s all about, but from playing with the national team and girls that I’ve met here, the level is super good. I’m excited to see what the Philippines has to offer.”
Despite her delayed arrival due to national team commitments, Andaya made an immediate impression at the combine.
(C) PVL Images
She posted the top marks in both the countermovement jump (294 cm) and approach jump (307 cm), and also tied for fifth in the 10-meter sprint (1.72 seconds), showcasing the athleticism that sets her apart.
For Andaya, her diverse playing background is her secret weapon.
“I think everywhere in the world has a different style of volleyball, and so I think that’s what gives me a little bit of an edge because I have a lot of different perspectives to bring and show,” she said.
Her growth as a player has been shaped by the variety of volleyball cultures she’s immersed herself in.
“I think it was a lot different. There was a big learning curve. Like I said, it’s very different from country to country, so I had a lot of growing to do as a player, going from America to Europe, then here to Asia,” she reflected.
“I think I have grown as a player and I will continue to grow, but it’s nice having that different background.”
Helping ease her transition to the Philippine volleyball scene is none other than eight-time PVL Best Setter Jia de Guzman, whose mentorship has left a lasting impression on Andaya.
“I’ve learned a lot. She also has a lot of experience from other countries — she played in Japan. I think she has a unique perspective that she shared with me. She’s also helped with the transition, coming into the Philippines because it’s different, so she’s made the transition very easy for me.”
