MANILA, Philippines—Getting that professional license means more than just a name and certification for the players of the newly promoted Premier Volleyball League.
Players such as Alyssa Valdez, Nicole Tiamzon, and Bea De Leon have been on the public consciousness for several years now playing volleyball in front hundreds of people at any given time.
Though they earn some as semi-professional players in their club teams, players have never had that piece of paper that entitles them to the full benefits of pros until PVL decided to turn pro.
“We’re very blessed to have that sense of security with the career we have,” said De Leon, who plays for Choco Mucho, Friday in a Zoom press conference. “We’re very excited about this new development and we can’t wait to have that status.”
Valdez, who has become the face of volleyball since her college days in Ateneo, said that the PVL turning pro not only gives them security but also provides future players a target for their careers.
“There’s an added prestige for volleyball players and the kids will have a league to look forward to in the future,” said Valdez, who now plays for Creamline.
BanKo spiker Nicole Tiamzon said that the league getting its professional license also trickles down to them as players as it gives them some sort of title when they’re outside of the court.
“Sometimes when we’re applying, officials will not consider what we’re doing as a profession despite what we’re doing,” said Tiamzon in Filipino. “So we’re very excited for this opportunity. This is for the kids because they’ll have something to look forward to.”