Justine Jazareno is stepping up to the plate in her new role as team captain of the Akari Chargers ahead of the PVL on Tour.
VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR—Justine Jazareno is stepping into a new role with familiar faces around her at the Akari Chargers.
Following the retirement of Michelle Cobb, Jazareno has now been named as Akari team captain ahead of the PVL on Tour.
And while the role is still something she’s adjusting to, Jazareno is slowly embracing the challenge with help from her teammates.
“Siguro more on tinatanggap ko lang din ‘yung responsibility na binigay sa’kin,” Jazareno said. “Hindi pa ganun ka-fully for me pero slowly kong tinatanggap ‘yung role and siyempre tinutulungan ako ng teammates ko para magampanan ‘yung role na ‘yun.”
Her transition as captain has been made smoother with the appointment of new head coach Tina Salak, who previously coached her during her high school days at De La Salle Zobel.
“As of now, smooth naman ‘yung adjustment when it comes to her system, and bawa't isa naman nakikipag-cooperate para makapag-adjust kami ng maayos talaga sa sistema,” she shared.
With their history, Jazareno believes she and Salak already have a natural connection that’s proving beneficial in building the team's chemistry.
“Yes, kasi parang knowing na rin na nakilala ko na before si coach Tina, so parang mas magkakaroon kami ng coordination and communication kasi naging coach ko na siya before.”
As Akari enters a new chapter in the PVL, Jazareno’s leadership and familiarity with the system could be key in steering the Chargers to a breakthrough title performance.