UP’s Nicole Tiamzon. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRERnet
For the better part of her career, Nicole Tiamzon has had the leadership role in whatever team she’s in.
She’s captained University of the Philippines for several years and was also considered as one of the leaders in Foton.
In the inaugural season of the Premier Volleyball League, however, Tiamzon is considered as the ‘baby’ in the Perlas roster.
“I was used to being the senior in UP then when I got here I’m treated as the baby,” said Tiamzon Saturday at Filoil Flying V Centre after helping the Spikers overcome Bali Pure in five sets, 22-25, 22-25, 25-22, 25-16, 15-12.
“I have to respect the veterans and I have to listen to them because they’re the ones who have the experience and my teammates really help me. I’m sure I will learn a lot from them.”
Tiamzon now plays under the tutelage of veterans Sue Roces, Dzi Gervacio and Amanda Villanueva.
And the guidance she constantly gets from her older teammates has been paying off.
Tiamzon was instrumental in the Spikers’ win as she put up 11 points off the bench to help Perlas improve to 3-2.
“My teammates really believe in me, and you will see how much they trust each other,” said Tiamzon. “Everyone trusts each other, and they also put that trust in me and that trust is a big boost to my confidence.”