Nxled Chameleons head coach Taka Minowa believes Ivy Lacsina has the skill set to make a major impact in both the Philippine and international volleyball scenes.
Ivy Lacsina has all the makings to become one of the best players not only in the Philippines but also across Asia.
Nxled Chameleons head coach Taka Minowa stands firm on such a belief, having witnessed firsthand the talent the 24-year-old Lacsina brings to the table.
“Actually, she has a lot of potential. She can be one of the best players in the Philippines and also I can say in the Asian [level],” the Japanese tactician remarked.
As Lacsina joined Nxled in the offseason following the disbandment of F2 Logistics, Minowa has decided to utilize her in the outside hitter position. His decision is driven by a broader vision – to prepare her for the international stage.
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“For now, I really want her to be a top player in the Philippines first and hopefully, she can play abroad. Also, I think she has a dream to play abroad. She needs to improve more. Sometimes good, sometimes bad, she’s still young and I understand because young players are like that,” Minowa said.
“Hopefully, she can understand how much potential she has. She can do anything. Pass, dig, attack, block, I hope she trusts her potential.”
In the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference, Lacsina faced a challenging start as she recovered from a right knee injury sustained earlier in the year, struggling to regain her best form in the early stages of the competition.
However, as the season progressed, the former NU star found her rhythm. By the latter part of the season-opening tournament, she had returned to her prolific self.
In the final game of Nxled's campaign, Lacsina delivered an outstanding performance with a career-high 28 points in their valiant effort against the Petro Gazz Angels last Saturday.
Though their gallant stand resulted in a tough 25-22, 23-25, 23-25, 22-25 loss, Lacsina and her team’s competitive spirit suggests a bright future for the rising star and the Chameleons, who ended with a 4-7 record in eight place, a rank higher from their previous ninth-place finish in the 2023 Second All-Filipino Conference.
“Siyempre masaya ako na nakasama ko ‘yung Nxled and dumating kami sa point na ‘to kasi alam ko na mas dito kami titibay. Mas natututo kami. Siyempre ‘yung pinaka-point naman din nun is mas nakikilala namin ‘yung isa’t isa kaya itong first conference ko kasama sila is ite-treasure ko kasi dito ako nag simula and dito kami magsa-start paangat,” Lacsina said.
Asked about her dream of playing abroad, Lacsina humbly admitted that she is still far from reaching that goal. For now, she is focusing on further refining her craft in hopes of accomplishing more with Nxled in the conferences to come.
“Siyempre sobrang, sobrang layo pa po. Kakasimula ko lang po sa pro eh, syempre hindi naman ‘yun agad agad. Marami pa po akong gustong gawin with Nxled kaya parang ‘yun talaga masasabi ko, malayong malayo pa po.”