Nearly nine years after a devastating injury derailed her once-promising volleyball career, former Adamson University standout May Roque is back — and more determined than ever to take the next step in her journey.
The 27-year-old outside hitter suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear during her breakout campaign in UAAP Season 78 — an injury that clearly hampered her performance in her remaining years with the Lady Falcons.
Roque openly admitted that she struggled to regain her footing after concluding her UAAP stint in Season 80, recognizing how deeply the injury affected her both physically and mentally.
“Siguro I want to try again, kasi parang hindi ko tinapos ‘yung sa UAAP. So gusto kong i-fulfill ‘yung sa volleyball career ko if ever ma-draft,” Roque said during the opening day of the Premier Volleyball League Rookie Combine held Friday at Paco Arena.
“Nag-break ako kasi mentally, hindi pa ako ready ulit sa volleyball. Sobrang na-down ako after nung ACL ko, tapos hindi na [ako] nakabalik. Parang sunud-sunod na struggles ‘yung after nun so siguro binuild up ko muna ‘yung courage ko para makabalik sa volleyball,” she added.
She had initially planned her return in 2020, but the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted those plans once more.
“Nagta-try [ako bumalik]. Babalik sana ako before the pandemic, kaso ayun, nag-pandemic, so na-pause ulit. Siguro now ‘yung time na makabalik talaga sa volleyball,” Roque shared.
Now in a better headspace and with the PVL nearing its second-ever Rookie Draft, Roque believes the timing is finally right to pursue what she’s always longed for — a second chance at reigniting her volleyball dream.
Though the fire inside her had dimmed during the stormy chapters of her young career, Roque said it never truly went out. It simply waited — for the right time, the right opportunity, and the right people to help it burn again.
One of those people was none other than her former Adamson teammate and close friend, Creamline Cool Smashers star Jema Galanza. According to Roque, Galanza never stopped believing in her potential and constantly reminded her of the player she once was — and still could be.
“Lalo si Jema [Galanza], lagi niya talaga akong pinu-push bumalik. [Sabi niya] ‘bumalik ka kasi kaya mo naman ‘yun.’ Isa rin siya sa mga nag-push sakin bumalik sa volleyball,” Roque said.
Now knocking on the door of the professional ranks, Roque is ready to pour her heart and soul into whichever team is willing to take a chance on her.
“Siguro ‘yung hungriness na makapaglaro ulit. Sure ako na gagawin ko ‘yung 100 percent ko para makabalik and maka-help sa team na kukuha or magda-draft sa akin.”
#WATCH: Adamson’s May Roque is giving it another shot in the #PVLDraft after her UAAP journey was cut short by an ACL injury — with a big push from Jema Galanza 🏐
📹 @jonashdcd /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/0lZaf7GuTE
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) May 30, 2025
