PVL: Emotional Dani Ravena responds to ‘nepo baby’ label

Akari Chargers libero Dani Ravena in the PVL Reinforced Conference.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Dani Ravena couldn’t hide her emotions and chose to focus on Akari’s campaign to block out the criticisms about her family lineage being the reason for making the Chargers’ lineup.

Ravena shed tears after Akari pulled off another come-from-behind  23-25, 21-25, 25-23, 29-27, 16-14 victory over defending champion Petro Gazz to stay unbeaten in three games in Pool B of the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference on Saturday at Philsports Arena.

The libero, the daughter of Akari team manager and former national team player Mozzy and ex-PBA cager Bong Ravena, recently called out a fan on social media for calling her a “nepo baby.”

READ: Undefeated Akari comes back to beat Petro Gazz

Dani Ravena was emotional, talking about the criticisms. #PVL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/XYEdwgYXDl

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) July 27, 2024

For the youngest Ravena, the only criticism that matters is from her Japanese coach Taka Minowa.

“I always joke about [Coach Taka] being my biggest basher but I think he’s the only basher that I would befriend. The rest, okay lang sila dyan. But all jokes aside. I think, Coach Taka really pushes me,” said an emotional Ravena. “I’m done with proving myself kasi to anybody else. I just want to make sure na I am worth it dito sa team. Kasi nakikita ko, I have talented coaches, talented teammates. So, no matter what other people will say, yung paniniwalaan ko is kung ano yung sinasabi ng coaches ko, ano sinasabi ng teammates ko and I’ll never take this opportunity for granted.”

“Sorry for being emotional. I guess, it’s just something that I really had to let out. But again, I can never do it alone. The team will never win just because of one person. So, I think that’s the highlight of this team is nagtulungan kami lahat to get that goal,” added the sister of Japan B.League stars Kiefer and Thirdy.

Minowa, who has been Ravena’s coach since he arrived in Manila for Nxled last season before moving to Akari together this conference, said his player may not be the most talented libero in the league but he lauded her improvement and dedication to help the Chargers. 

“About Dani, since I came to the Philippines she’s my first libero and she’s my captain also for my Nxled. Her tactical [skill] has improved a lot. But she’s the kind of libero, who is not like super high [level]. So we cannot make too much expectations but also as a coach, I don’t want to give up on anyone to make her improve. I believe in the potential of players. She’s always eager to do something for her team,” said the Japanese coach.

Ravena is grateful to her strong support group from her family, Minowa, and the rest of the Chargers amid the doubts surrounding her in the PVL.

“I think I have enough motivation to push myself despite all the criticism. I think I’ve grown to understand that it will never go away. I just have to live with it. Exceed expectations and just really reach my full potential on and off the court I really do my best and criticism will always come my way so I don’t really mind it, as long as I can help the team in any way, basta mapasalita or masigaw ako, or I’m vocal inside the court, I’ll help them,” said the former Ateneo libero. “I’ll just continue to do it as much as possible, and sana magcontinue lang yung pag-i-improve ko not only as a team, but also as a player.”

In her return to Akari after two conferences in Nxled, the Chargers had their best start at 3-0 since joining the PVL two years ago. Ravena believes the key to their strong start is Minowa’s system. 

“It’s the culture that I guess the team and Coach Taka implied to the entire Akari team. More than the skills kasi, I feel like one of the biggest things na tinitignan is attitude,” said Ravena.

“The maturity inside the court and off the court. Being the best possible player that you can be and even if you’re not the oldest one, or you’re the youngest, you can still lead in your own way and I think we’re now on the same page, everybody, from the coaches, to the team, to the management, and may sistema and may extra push na yung Akari ngayon.”