Vanie Gandler embraces a bigger leadership role as Cignal bolsters its roster with new signings Erika Santos, Tin Tiamzon, Heather Guino-o, and Ethan Arce ahead of the upcoming PVL conferences.
Vanie Gandler is stepping into a new chapter of her career—and she’s doing so with renewed purpose and a stronger support cast.
Fresh off signing a long-term extension with the Cignal HD Spikers, Gandler is at the forefront of the team’s ongoing rebuild, which now includes the additions of Erika Santos, Tin Tiamzon, Heather Guino-o, and Ethan Arce.
With her new deal comes greater responsibility, and Gandler is fully aware of the weight on her shoulders.
“There is more responsibility for me,” Gandler shared. “But like what they always say, pressure is a privilege and you can’t reach greater heights without the risk of failure.”
As one of Cignal’s rising leaders, Gandler embraces the challenges that come with her role, not just as a scorer, but as a cornerstone for a team eager to score a breakthrough PVL championship.
“The greatest athletes, they have to put themselves in situations where they risk losing big,” she added. “But in return, they risked it and it finally worked for them. So I’m gonna keep risking it and learning from all my failures until we finally move forward and get what we’ve been eyeing.”
[ALSO READ: Vanie Gandler signs long-term deal with Cignal, continues push for elusive PVL title]
Though Gandler spent the past month with Alas Pilipinas, she’s been closely watching the evolution of the HD Spikers from afar—and likes what she sees.
"It makes my heart so happy because I really think that team Cignal deserves so much, not just us players, but the coaches and the management, we’ve all been sacrificing so much," she said.
[ALSO READ: Cignal HD Spikers add Heather Guino-o, Ethan Arce to PVL roster]
Gandler is confident that the newest additions will bring depth, energy, and alignment to the team’s vision for the next PVL campaign.
"I’m so happy that these players chose Cignal because I know that we all have a goal and I know that they can really do great in this team and they’re all gonna be a big asset for all of us."
[ALSO READ: PVL: Erika Santos bares reason for joining Cignal after PLDT departure]
With a reinforced lineup and Gandler’s leadership at the core, the HD Spikers are setting their sights high in the upcoming conferences.
For now, the Shaq Delos Santos-led squad will turn their focus in the upcoming 2025 PVL Draft, where Cignal has the sixth pick.