It’s been a long time coming for Alohi Robins-Hardy as she was selected third overall by the Farm Fresh Foxies at the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft.
Much has been said about the long-winding saga among Fil-Am setter Alohi Robins-Hardy, the PVL, and the Farm Fresh Foxies, but everything finally reached its fruition on Sunday as Alohi was chosen third overall in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft.
Having waited a year to play for the Foxies after it was deemed that she couldn’t be signed on directly, Robins-Hardy finally got to where she wanted to be.
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More than excitement, Robins-Hardy said that it was a feeling of relief that washed over her — especially now that she’s nearer to getting back on the court and doing what she loves.
“Honestly, right now, I'm more relieved than excited. As you've heard, it's because I finally get to go on the court, finally get to play the sport that I love,” Robins-Hardy said.
Spending a year off of the taraflex and into the side of coaching, the 29-year-old said that she was afforded a unique take on the sport, and Alohi is eager to help bridge the gaps between players and coaches as she finally takes on her role with Farm Fresh.
“I don't think it changed [my perspective in volleyball] so much. I think it helps me on the coaching side to see it both ways,” she said.
“I know the players sometimes have a hard time communicating with coaches and I got to see that quite a bit last season. I'm hoping that I can help with that this coming season,” Robins-Hardy added.
It will be pivotal for a Farm Fresh team that is also flanked by younger players, with Robins-Hardy providing not just experience as a player, but a deeper understanding of how things work after her year as an observer.
As for how she tuned out the noise, Robins-Hardy simply focused on the people that mattered in her life.
Thanks to the support of those around her, she was able to finally get back on her feet and return to the court, this time as a player.
“A lot of it, I don't even think I read much of it. I just stayed home. I talked to my family back at home,” she said, of the conversations about her being included in the draft.
“They are always reassuring me that, don't worry about that, just be ready to play. Even Gabe [Norwood] and his family, Gabe, Leigh, and the boys have been there for me. I'm super grateful.”
Along with Robins-Hardy, FEU libero Ann Monares was the other draft pick by the Foxies.