MANILA, Philippines – At the thought of playing volleyball internationally for the Philippines, Savannah Davison and Brooke Van Sickle are giddy with anticipation. The two exceptional athletes are excited to represent their nation and add to its developing volleyball scene after choosing to switch federations.

Fil-Canadian Davison as well as Fil-American Van Sickle, who have been playing in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) for a number of months, have grown to have a great respect for Philippine volleyball. Their love for the game and desire to improve their nation’s standing abroad have only intensified

Representing the Philippines would be an incredible experience if granted the chance. Being a representative of any nation is an enormous accomplishment, but being a representative of a nation where the passion and devotion for the game are unmatched is an accomplishment you can only imagine,” Davison said.

Paraphrasing her comrade, Van Sickle expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to represent the Philippines. Being able to represent the Philippines is undoubtedly a privilege. I’m only following orders; we’re still figuring things out. However, it will undoubtedly be an honor,” she remarked following the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Convention.

Van Sickle is currently in the process of moving federations, as is Davison, along with her Petro Gazz partner, MJ Phillips. While Davison is registered with Volleyball Canada, Van Sickle and Phillips are members of USA Volleyball.

After an exciting third-place series versus Chery Tiggo, Van Sickle helped Petro Gazz win bronze and was voted Most Valuable Player in her rookie season.

Conversely, Davison has been an integral part of the PLDT High Speed Hitters team, helping them to have another successful PVL season.

The fervor of Philippine volleyball fans has touched both players profoundly, and both of them are ready to return the favor by playing for the national squad.

The fact that we are even discussing the possibility of me joining the National Team makes me really happy. Davison, a Toronto, Canada native, expressed optimism that it will present some possibilities to learn more about Philippine volleyball.

San Emilio, Ilocos Sur is the mother of Van Sickle. She expressed her appreciation for the cordial reception she has received.

The two have also talked about working together on the national team; Davison has disclosed that they have even mentioned the possibility of moving federations.

Although we have discussed it on a few occasions, I haven’t spoken with Brooke directly about the federation transition. I believe that we are both just waiting to find out what happens next.

Awaiting the last procedures of their federation transition, Davison and Van Sickle are dedicated to their PVL teams as well as the possibility of representing the Philippines with honors in international volleyball.

Jia De Guzman is content with being “the oldest” among the younger Alas Women.

Formerly a bright young talent under the tutelage of more seasoned players like Rhea Dimaculangan and Kim Fajardo, Jia De Guzman has now assumed a critical leadership position. 

Captain De Guzman will lead a young team in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Women after being named to the newly established Alas Pilipinas.

Leading the group of rising stars, which includes Eya Laure, Angel Canino, Thea Gagate, and Julia Coronel, is a demanding undertaking, but one that De Guzman thinks doable. 

De Guzman highlights that the team’s collective leadership supports her in her capacity as captain. 

After assisting the Denso Airybees in defeating Hitachi Astemo to win the 2024 Japan V. Cup, the 29-year-old setter has added an international honor to her resumé.

Her time in Japan changed her perspective significantly, particularly in understanding the “simplicity” and effectiveness of Japanese volleyball—lessons she plans to share with her squad.

“I consider one of the characteristics of Japan beach volleyball is how uncomplicated they play—how straightforward but exceptionally effective. So, something’s a particular aspect that we’re striving to teach each of the players of the team right now,” De Guzman said. She continued by saying that the Alas Pilipinas coaching philosophy is consistent with these ideas, which facilitates a more seamless transition.