MANILA, Philippines – Helene Rousseaux has been signed by Farm Fresh Foxies as a reinforcement for the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference. A seasoned international star, Rousseaux adds a wealth of European and Asian league experience to the Foxies, who want to make a deeper run after past seasons. Farm Fresh is now positioned as a team to watch thanks to her arrival, which makes her one of the more well-known import acquisitions at this conference.

Standing six feet two, Rousseaux most recently played for Turkey’s Papara Göztepe. Additionally, she has participated in professional competitions in France, South Korea, Switzerland, Poland, and Italy. As a member of the Belgium national team that won the bronze in the 2023 European Championship, she left a lasting mark on the international scene. Her physical attributes, which highlight her potential for both offensive and defensive performance, include a blocking reach of about 297 cm and a spike reach of about 320 cm.

Along with important local performers Trisha Tubu, Leila Cruz, Jolina Dela Cruz, Caitlyn Viray, Ces Molina, and Riri Meneses, Farm Fresh has now added Rousseaux to its roster. The squad improved during the Davao Invitational Volleyball Tournament earlier this year, where they won bronze, after finishing eighth in the previous Reinforced Conference. The acquisition of Rousseaux seems to have been well-timed to turn the squad from a middle-tier finisher into a contender in the top division.

Rousseaux’s responsibilities will probably include perimeter defense, outside scoring, and maintaining a constant presence throughout crucial situations. Her ability to play in other leagues gives her a variety of match experiences, which can assist Farm Fresh in adjusting to the imports that other teams are likely to bring. Expected players include Cuban outside hitter Yunieska Batista with Chery Tiggo Crossovers, Russian outside hitter Anastasiia Bavykina for PLDT High Speed Hitters, Greek outside hitter Eva Chantava with Cignal HD Spikers, and American spiker Courtney Schwan with Cool Smashers. How far Farm Fresh can go may depend on Rousseaux’s capacity to execute on par with or better than these peers.

The management of Farm Fresh seems dedicated to increasing the company’s growth. The Foxies have retained talented local players while simultaneously bringing in top-tier imports. Against elite teams, their youthful core has displayed sparks but lacks consistency. It is anticipated that Rousseaux’s experience would assist the squad in navigating difficult sets and playoff pressure, especially in demanding international competitions. Her presence should also help the local players improve their skills and receive mentoring.

There are still difficulties. Imports must do well in the Reinforced Conference in terms of both leadership and scoring. Teams with more established systems and better chemistry will be up against Rousseaux. Her tenacity and athleticism will be put to the test as she adjusts to Philippine conditions, travel, and schedule density. She must be swiftly incorporated into Farm Fresh’s current hitters and setters; success will depend on timing, consistency, and reducing unforced errors.

The coaching staff at Farm Fresh must also control expectations. Roles will need to be changed by local players, and rotations must take Rousseaux into account without reducing the contributions of key Filipinas. It will be necessary to improve blocking cooperation, transition plays, and defensive strategies. Matchups will probably be the focus of opponents’ efforts to counteract Rousseaux’s influence. In order to properly support the offense and defense, the Foxies must avoid relying too much on their guards and middle blocks.

The Foxies now have goals beyond finishing in the middle of the table. Rousseaux’s signing indicates a clear goal: to compete for a spot in the semifinals or finals rather than just make it through the Reinforced Conference. The team’s recent invitational tournament improvements indicate that internal belief is increasing. Rousseaux is a good contender to sway close games in Farm Fresh’s favor because of her background and skill set.

There will be crucial games against teams using strong imports on Farm Fresh’s schedule. The Foxies’ ability to immediately build rapport and handle the tactical and physical demands of the conference will determine their level of success.