Jia de Guzman delivered an emotional reflection on her journey with the national team, saying past struggles gave her the strength and understanding needed to lead Alas Pilipinas.
Alas Pilipinas team captain Jia de Guzman had to hold back her tears when looking back at her journey with the Philippine women's national volleyball team.
Speaking with Boom Gonzalez on Starting Lineup, De Guzman shared that the struggles she endured throughout her career ultimately prepared her to lead the Philippines to a silver medal in the 2025 AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup.
Fighting back tears, the longtime national team setter admitted that the road had been far from easy.
“There were many times before also that I wanted out of the national team—kasi mahirap talaga siya,” she confessed. “But every time na may invite, you still feel like meron pa.”
[ALSO READ: Jia De Guzman foresees tougher road for Alas Pilipinas after historic silver medal in AVC Nations Cup]
Alas Women made history in the AVC Nations Cup, reaching the finals of an Asian-level tournament for the first time in 64 years and playing in a championship match for the first time since the 1997 Southeast Asian Games.
For years, the Philippines struggled to secure a podium finish in any international competition. But with De Guzman leading the charge, things started to change for the national team.
After their historic silver medal finish, the 29-year-old setter said it was a full-circle moment that gave new meaning to the challenges she faced over the years.
“I think I got a very good understanding now of why I had to go through so many things in my career,” she said. “If I didn’t, I don’t think I would be—or kami ni Dawn [Catindig] would be—doing such a good job now.”
With a squad filled with talented and experienced stars, the 29-year-old emphasized that her role as team captain has been more about emotional management and cohesion than simply directing plays on the court.
“There’s so much firepower in this team. They’ve all had their own experiences in championships. My job is to manage those emotions and steer it in a better direction.”
[ALSO READ: Jia De Guzman admits Alas Pilipinas still a long way from catching up to Asian powerhouses]
De Guzman also noted how her stint in Japan, both rewarding and painful, has allowed her to guide her younger teammates through the pressures of the global stage.
“Playing internationally isn’t for everyone. Iba ‘yung pressure, iba ‘yung mental aspect of it,” she said. “I don’t think I could help guide them through it if I didn’t go through it myself.”
With all the momentum on their side, the work continues for De Guzman and Alas Women as they look towards their ultimate goal: a podium finish in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games.