Philippine Volleyball is on the rise in terms of giving exposure. There's more leagues now that cater to both high school and college competitors, making the discovery of volleyball talent easier as well.
If before, college coaches discover players by going to regional meets and the Palarong Pambansa, they now add the Rebisco Volleyball League to their minefield for top-notch talent.
In just its third season, the RVL is now a legitimate hunting ground for the next generation of volleyball talent that may represent the country in international competitions one day. During the first season, current De La Salle Lady Spiker Jolina Dela Cruz played for Northern Luzon champions Holy Family Academy, and UP Lady Maroons setter Marianne Sotomil suited up for Bacolod Tay Tung High School. Then there's the Nazareth School of National University squad featuring current NU Lady Bulldogs Ivy Lacsina and Joyme Cagande with Ateneo Lady Eagle Faith Nisperos that won the National Championship.
In season two, most of the players from champion team Kings Montessori School brought their talents to Adamson University. Louie Romero, Rizza Andrea Cruz, Lucille Mae Almonte, and Cae Lazo helped in the Lady Falcons' title run in the 2019 PVL Collegiate Conference. Meanwhile, Tay Tung libero Jeanny Padilla is going to play for the Lady Maroons while Joan Narit of Ateneo de Cebu will be joining Nisperos at Ateneo.
Even season three has its fair share of athletes that will play collegiate volleyball. RVL 2019 National Finals runner-up Adamson University will elevate UAAP Season 82 2nd Best Outside Hitter Kate Santiago to their college ranks while Joan Marie Monares of Tay Tung will play for the UP Lady Maroons. Her teammates Erika Deloria, Shane Carmona, and Rhean Almendralejo will bolster the Enderun College roster. Meanwhile, Team Hawaii setter Bryanne Soares will bring her talents to Oral Roberts University, an NCAA Division 1 school in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
With the talent level this deep, it's no wonder that coaches come to the National Finals to search for new players that will represent their universities. After all, you get the best volleyball talent all over the country competing against each other for one week in Metro Manila which is where the big universities are located.
"The Rebisco Volleyball League is an avenue for colleges and universities to develop talent," Ateneo Lady Eagles and Choco Mucho Flying Titans head coach Oliver Almadro said. But beyond being standouts in the court, the RVL exists because of a deeper cause. "It's not really about the recruitment but it's about helping and inspiring them to be successful athletes and career women," he added.
With that, the Rebisco Volleyball League is now a legitimate tournament to showcase not just the best girls volleyball players in the country but also individuals who will make a difference in this country.
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