Jerrili Malabanan is set to make her volleyball comeback with the Capital1 Solar Spikers in the PVL on Tour.
VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR—After more than a year away from volleyball, Jerrili Malabanan is making her PVL return with a renewed mindset and deeper appreciation for the sport.
Now suiting up for the Capital1 Solar Spikers in the upcoming PVL on Tour, Malabanan revealed that her time off—though necessary—eventually made her realize just how much she missed volleyball.
“Actually, siguro mga late last year po, that’s when I started playing volleyball again,” Malabanan said. “For the first few months that I stopped, I didn’t really watch any volleyball. I felt like I was mentally burnt out.”
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The former FEU standout spent her time away from volleyball rediscovering joy in other ways.
She baked cookies, reconnected with family in California, and gave herself space to breathe, away from the demands of competition.
But as the months passed, the pull of volleyball grew stronger.
“Eventually, I started missing volleyball,” Malabanan shared.
“It was part of my life for many years, so it’s something that I really missed,” she added.
Now back in training, Malabanan is taking a slow and steady approach, focusing on small wins every day.
“I’m just taking it one day at a time,” she said. “Coach Jorge [de Brito] always wants us [to do] every training better than the last. That’s what I’m doing right now.”
Malabanan will bring leadership and experience to a youthful Capital1 squad, now featuring Leila Cruz, Roma Mae Doromal, and 2025 no. 1 pick Bella Belen.
“I’m excited for them to come out of their comfort zones because I know they’ve been with their [UAAP] teams for a long time, so I really think they have more to give and more to offer,” said Malabanan.
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The 28-year-old spiker is expected to make her return to action when Capital1 opens its PVL on Tour campaign against the Creamline Cool Smashers on Sunday, June 22.