After several stints abroad, 24-year-old Fil-Am setter Tia Andaya is now ready to make her mark for Alas Pilipinas and in the PVL.
After several volleyball stints abroad, Tia Andaya is ready to make her mark in the Philippines.
The Fil-Am playmaker, who has already competed in the United States, Albania, and Romania, is now embracing a new challenge with both Alas Pilipinas and the upcoming 2025 PVL Rookie Draft.
Andaya arrived on Day 1 of the 2025 PVL Draft Combine fresh off training with Alas Women, showing off her skills in agility and jump tests.
“I’m not sure about my expectations, to be honest,” Andaya told reporters. “This is a really new experience for me. From playing with the national team and the girls I’ve met here, the level is super good. I’m excited to see what the Philippines has to offer.”
[ALSO READ: NU star Bella Belen headlines 60-aspirant class in 2025 PVL Rookie Draft]
Andaya's name popped up to many after she was called up to the 34-player Alas Pilipinas wishlist. She has since joined the national team in its preparations for several tournaments this year.
For her, it was an opportunity that she couldn’t turn down.
“Playing in the highest level in any country is an honor, so when I got the call, I had to answer,” she shared. “Just spending more time here, learning about the country, and playing with this group—it’s a really cool opportunity.”
Seen as one of the top prospects in a loaded draft class, Andaya believes her exposure to various playing styles across different continents is one of her strengths.
“Everywhere in the world has a different style of volleyball,” she noted. “That gives me a bit of an edge because I have a lot of perspectives to bring and show.”
[ALSO READ: 2025 PVL Mock Draft: Post-lottery projections for every first-round pick]
With the PVL Draft on the horizon, the 24-year-old setter admits balancing her commitments has been challenging, but manageable.
“Obviously, I made a commitment to the national team, so I’m honoring that, I’m giving my full energy to that," she said. "Giving what I can to the draft and hoping that I get the best outcome."
Coming to the Philippines was not without its adjustments, but Andaya credits team captain and fellow setter Jia de Guzman for easing her transition.
“She also has a lot of experience from other countries—she played in Japan. I think she has a unique perspective that she shared with me," said Andaya. "She’s also helped with the transition, coming into the Philippines because it’s different, so she’s made the transition very easy for me."