With nothing left to prove in her storied volleyball career, Rachel Daquis is now focused on mentoring the next generation as she makes her Premier Volleyball League (PVL) return with Farm Fresh.
After last playing for Cignal, Daquis sat out the entire 2024 PVL season to focus on her business ventures. However, she made a surprise comeback, signing with the Foxies ahead of the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference.
Now in the twilight of her illustrious career, the Far Eastern University legend aims to lead by example, serving as both a guiding voice and an on-court mentor for her young teammates.
“Unang-una, ‘yung contribution ko sa team—sobrang meaningful nitong comeback para sa akin. Wala na akong hinahabol sa career ko; para na ito sa mga bata,” said Daquis after her PVL return against Galeries Tower on Thursday night.
“‘Yun ‘yung magiging biggest contribution ko sa kanila—kung paano ako mag-lead sa loob ng court, paano sila maging intact na puwede nilang sundan. Gumagawa lang tayo ng blueprint para sa kanila,” she added.
(C) PVL Images
Making her much-anticipated return to the PVL taraflex after 551 days, the 37-year-old outside spiker checked in late in the first set and scored her first point in the second, helping Farm Fresh secure a 28-26, 17-25, 25-19, 25-17 victory over the Highrisers at the Philsports Arena.
With 21 years of experience, Daquis believes her leadership will be her most valuable asset to the up-and-coming Foxies, who are still finding their rhythm in the country’s top volleyball league.
“‘Yun ‘yung nakikita kong magiging best contribution ko sa team. Kita mo naman, 33 points si [Trisha] Tubu—nandiyan na lahat, kumpleto na ‘yung bala. So ang tanong na lang, paano namin lalaruin ‘yung laro namin at paano ko sila matutulungang maging intact. Parang ako ‘yung glue, so ‘yun ‘yung pinaka-mahalaga,” Daquis explained.
To adapt to her new role, the veteran has made adjustments to her game, shifting from sheer power to a more cerebral approach that complements her younger teammates.
“Before, I loved playing with power. Ngayon, I love playing smarter. Sa ensayo pa lang, ginugulangan ko na ‘yung mga teammates ko,” said the 5-foot-10 pride of Tanay, Rizal.
“Totoo ‘yun, galit na galit sila! Pero ‘yun ‘yung nasa isip ko—hindi mo laging kailangan ng power. Ngayon, kailangan mong maging mas matalino. Sa dami ng batang malalakas ngayon, lamang pa rin ang marunong maglaro nang matalino. Kaya ‘yun ‘yung talagang ina-eye ko na ipasa sa kanila.”
