FILE – Jho Maraguinot, left, celebrates a point with her Ateneo teammates during a UAAP women’s volleyball game against University of the East. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Jho Maraguinot has embarked on a new stage in her career.
Maraguinot was officially announced as the newest addition to the Perlas Spikers on Tuesday ahead of this year’s Premier Volleyball League season.
JHO joins PERLAS SPIKERS! 🖤🤍
One tough pearl, she gives it a shot.
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.#pearlpower #toughlikeapearl pic.twitter.com/zhW1YCluDx— Perlas Spikers (@PerlasSpikers) March 30, 2021
“Perlas is giving me an opportunity to play. I was really hesitant at first just because I’m scared that my investment in my rehab will be put to waste if I injure myself again. But I realized that this is also an opportunity to regain my confidence with my body and my game,” said Maraguinot.
Maraguinot was supposed to return to Ateneo for UAAP Season 82 but the season got scrapped due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
She had one year left of eligibility but opted to turn pro instead.
“It has always been what I wanted to do. Especially when the UAAP got canceled; I’m so eager to play again. With everything being uncertain, being able to play again is something that would bring happiness not just to us players but also to the volleyball fans,” said the 25-year-old open spiker.
Maraguinot helped the Lady Eagles win the UAAP title in 2015. she then suited up for Sta. Lucia in the Philippine Superliga in 2018.
“Honestly, I have no idea what to expect. I’m just really excited to play again and this time not as a UAAP player but a pro volleyball player,” she admitted.
The PVL aims to launch its first professional season in May at Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna.
“I’m really excited because for sure everyone is eager to get back to that court and do what we love doing. For sure everyone will have a different level of competitiveness.”