PVL: Returning Justine Jazareño drawing inspiration from baby
Akari Chargers’ Justine Jazareno in the PVL All-Filipino Conference.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Justine Jazareño relished the best of both worlds being a mom and a professional volleyball player.
After a year of absence, Jazareño made her comeback with 10 excellent digs but Akari started the new year off the wrong foot with a tough 22-25, 16-25, 15-25 loss to PLDT in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Saturday at Philsports Arena.
“Siyempre overwhelming siya kasi ang tagal ko ring nawala, halos one year din. Naninibago ulit ako. On the process,” said Jazareño after her comeback.
READ: Justine Jazareno announces pregnancy, takes leave of absence from PVL
Faith Nisperos and Justine Jazareño’s after Akari’s tough straight-set loss to PLDT. #PVL2025 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/eTryvD0Yqp
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) January 18, 2025
Aside from juggling motherhood and volleyball, Jazareño is also working on her thesis as an Early Childhood Education student.
Studying, protecting Akari’s floor, and caring for her family are all worth the young libero’s time as her child inspires her in everything she does.
“Siguro time management lang. Sa morning hanggang afternoon training kami then I spend time with my baby rin naman after. Also, nagthe-thesis din ako so I have to manage my time,” she said
“Mas nadagdagan siya ng inspiration. After training uuwi ka, feeling mo pagod ka, pero pag-uwi mo di ka pagod.”
READ: Justine Jazareno leaves La Salle, joins Akari Chargers in PVL
The former La Salle floor defender believes she still needs to work harder to regain her top shape and also improve their communication as a team after Akari fell to a 3-4 record from a lopsided loss to PLDT.
“Siguro knowing na atleta kami, I really have to be disciplined sa pagkain, sa tulog and sa workout talaga. Talagang pinaghirapan ko talaga para makabalik sa game ulit,” Jazareño said.
“We have to work hard pa and we have to communicate talaga. Nakalimutan lang din namin mag-enjoy sa game kaya kinulang,” she added.
