Philippine volleyball star Jia De Guzman receives the Miss Volleyball Award from the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA), acknowledging her exceptional playmaking skills. In her acceptance speech, De Guzman emphasizes the importance of finding one's 'why,' encouraging athletes to persevere through challenges and find meaning in their dedication to the sport.
Jia de Guzman's exceptional playmaking abilities have earned her international recognition, culminating in the prestigious Miss Volleyball Award bestowed upon her by the Philippine Sports writers Association (PSA). De Guzman expressed her heartfelt gratitude in a recorded speech during the 2024 PSA Awards Night held at the Manila Hotel on Monday. 'I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to the Philippine Sports writers Association for this distinction.
This is actually a dream come true for me because being a setter in volleyball and playing a non-scoring, supporting role for my team, I've always found the most fulfillment in seeing my teammates, my spikers shine,' she stated. But more than just conveying her appreciation, the 5-foot-7 setter used her platform to inspire fellow athletes by reminding them of their 'whys.' As the player responsible for orchestrating plays on the court, De Guzman shared the unique challenges of being a playmaker. 'But along with a non-scoring position comes challenges, self-placed limitations and even dreams that I thought I would never be able to achieve. Dreams like playing as a setter import in Japan and even receiving a distinctive award such as Miss Volleyball. So I have to thank all of you for this.'De Guzman played a pivotal role in leading the Alas Pilipinas team to historic bronze medal finishes in the SEA Women's V. League series, where she was recognized as the Best Setter, and another bronze in the Asian Women's Volleyball Challenge Cup. The Ateneo de Manila University standout also delivered a heartfelt message to all aspiring dreamers. 'More than sweet victories, there may be even more heartbreaks, failure, falling short, self-doubt, and being put into situations you may feel unqualified for. But I believe it's in our hardest, lowest points that we see what matters most to us as people and as athletes. It's when we see why we do what we do.' For De Guzman, the grueling training, sacrifices, and overcoming setbacks now hold a deeper meaning. 'Why do we keep waking up at 4 a.m. every day? Why do we train twice, thrice, even more times every day? Why do we power through fatigue, exhaustion, and even injuries? And why do we keep playing even when we're far away from our families? Our why becomes our purpose. It gives us strength to power through even when things are hard, when things are painful, because it makes everything worth it. 2025 will be a very important year for us in Alas Pilipinas,' she added. 'So to share with you our why, our purpose, it is to take this privilege, do our best to inspire, and open more doors for the next generation of volleyball athletes to come.' De Guzman currently competes for the Denso Airybees in Japan
Volleyball Jia De Guzman Miss Volleyball Philippine Sportswriters Association PSA Awards Alas Pilipinas Playmaking Inspiration Athlete Dreams
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Jia De Guzman named PSA Ms. VolleyballMANILA, Philippines — THREE individuals who excelled in their respective fields in the year just passed will be given with distinction in the San Miguel Corporation-Philippine Sportswriters Association (SMC-PSA) Awards Night at the Manila Hotel two weeks from now.
Read more »
Japan Supports Philippine Volleyball With Equipment DonationThe Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) and Japan Volleyball Association (JVA) strengthen their partnership with a donation of volleyball supplies. The JVA, led by Japan Minister and Consul General Takahiro Hanada, provided equipment to support the Philippines' growing volleyball scene ahead of the 2025 Men's Volleyball World Championship hosted by the country. The donation aims to fuel the enthusiasm of young players and expand the sport's viewership.
Read more »
Miss Charm Philippines Apologizes for Wearing Catriona Gray's Miss Universe Farewell GownCyrille Payumo, Miss Charm Philippines, has apologized for wearing Catriona Gray's Miss Universe farewell gown at the Miss Universe Philippines - Pampanga pageant, sparking mixed reactions and debate.
Read more »
PH Prepares for Historic Solo Hosting of FIVB Men's World Volleyball Championship 2025The Philippines gears up for its first-ever solo hosting of the FIVB Men's World Championship in 2025, with preparations intensifying as the event draws closer. The nation aims to provide an excellent and near-perfect hosting experience for the 32 participating volleyball teams from around the world.
Read more »
Philippines Gears Up for Historic Solo Hosting of FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship 2025Preparations for the Philippines' first-ever solo hosting of the FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship 2025 intensify as the event draws closer. Thirty-one nations will compete in the September 12 to 28 championship held at SM Mall of Asia Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) is aiming for an almost perfect hosting experience.
Read more »
Philippine hosting of 2025 men’s volleyball world championship shifts to high gearThe Philippines prepares to welcome 31 of the world’s top volleyball nations when the country hosts the FIVB Men’s World Championship this year
Read more »