Commitment key for women’s team

More than talent, skill and popularity, national women’s volleyball team coach Shaq delos Santos is looking for commitment from players looking to represent the country.

“[W]e are looking at their commitment and willingness to tough it out because we have a busy year ahead,” said Delos Santos Wednesday.

Volleyball federation president Peter Cayco said they will release the national team roster this month as the team prepares to participate in several international meets.

Cayco said the team will compete in the Asian Women’s Clubs on April 27 to May 5 in Tianjin, China, and in the Asian Seniors on Aug. 17 to 25 in Seoul, South Korea.

Those tournaments, plus the Southeast Asian Games this year and the players’ club commitments, will fill the schedules of the volleyball stars, thus Delos Santos wants them to be really committed to the national team.

“So far everyone showed up [in the tryouts],” said Delos Santos.

Officials said sisters Jaja Santiago and Dindin Manabat, who missed the tryouts because they are seeing action in the tough Japan League, will be included in the national pool.