Jackson Reed relishes Alas Pilipinas debut: ‘It feels amazing’
Jackson Reed finally sees action in an Alas Pilipinas jersey. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — It took some time, but Jackson Reed was honored to finally introduce himself to Philippine volleyball after making his Alas Pilipinas debut.
The Filipino-American Reed showed what he can do for the home country of his grandfather, scoring three points—including a loaded service—and providing steady floor defense as Alas took down South Korean club Hyundai Capital Skywalkers, 25-22, 22-25, 25-21, 25-20, in the three-day Invitationals on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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“It’s been a year in the making. I was supposed to be on the team last year, but I got really sick here the first time. Everything’s gone full circle, and it feels amazing,” said Reed.
The 23-year-old, who played for the University of Southern California in the US NCAA and pursued his master’s at Loyola University Chicago, tried out for Alas last year but had to leave after only two weeks due to illness.
Jackson Reed on his Alas Pilipinas debut.#AlasPilipinasInvitationals @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/k99JDS34iE
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) June 11, 2025
This year, Alas contacted him again to join the pool for its historic hosting and participation in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in September. He met the team during its trip to New York two weeks ago for a showcase with Filipino-American players.
READ: Fresh faces to make Alas Pilipinas debut in 3-day Invitational
“It’s been a seamless transition. Everybody here is so nice and welcoming, and I couldn’t ask for a better group of guys to go to battle with,” Reed said.
Reed, who now holds Filipino citizenship, is determined to honor his grandfather, who was born and raised in Pangasinan.
“My grandfather was the oldest of seven. He brought our entire family over to the States. My mom is also Filipino. My grandpa wasn’t naturalized in the United States until 1969, and my mom was born in 1968, so therefore by law, I’m a Filipino citizen. I got my citizenship last year,” he explained.
“I feel like this is an opportunity that a lot of people back home in the US don’t get because that’s a very competitive pool. There are a lot of great players over there—and so many great players here too. I just want to do something different, and I wanted to honor my grandfather.”
Reed is enjoying the style of play and atmosphere of Philippine volleyball and is looking forward to the final match of the Invitationals against Southeast Asian rival and unbeaten Thailand on Independence Day at 7:30 p.m.
“Overwhelming? I wouldn’t say so because I love it. I’m not taking this for granted because we don’t have stuff like this back home. Coming over here and experiencing something new is honestly what I came here for—and I’m loving it,” said Reed.
