The PVL is once again set to welcome a strong cast of international talents for the 2025 Reinforced Conference, which begins on October 7.
With each team tapping seasoned professionals from around the globe, fans can expect a higher level of competition as local stars team up with some of the world’s best.
Here’s a closer look at the imports who will suit up this season:
Annie Mitchem – Akari Chargers
US-born Mitchem has competed for top clubs in Italy, Turkey, and Brazil, bringing championship pedigree and international experience to Akari’s campaign.
Oleksandra Bytsenko – Capital1 Solar Spikers
The 29-year-old Ukrainian spiker previously played in Japan’s V.League Division 1 with Aranmare Yamagata. She now looks to make her mark in the PVL.
Yunieska Batista – Chery Tiggo Crossovers
Batista, a Cuban outside hitter with professional experience in Türkiye, brings scoring power and international grit to Chery Tiggo.
Marlee Smith – Choco Mucho Flying Titans
Smith, an American opposite, has already played in Manila for Nakhon Ratchasima during the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League, giving her a preview of PVL competition.
Eva Chantava – Cignal HD Spikers
A familiar name in Asian volleyball, Greek player Chantava returns to the Philippines after stints in Turkiye, Italy, and Thailand with Nakhon Ratchasima.
Courtney Schwan – Creamline Cool Smashers
US-born Schwan last played for the Orlando Valkyries and has international experience in Italy, France, and Greece, making her a versatile addition to Creamline.
Hélène Rousseaux – Farm Fresh Foxies
The Belgian wing spiker has years of professional experience, including stops with Voléro Zürich and Suwon Hillstate, and is expected to provide stability and scoring for the Foxies.
Jelena Cvijovic – Galeries Tower Highrisers
The Montenegrin outside hitter returns to the PVL after playing in Greece, Cyprus, and Tunisia, ready to boost Galeries Tower’s firepower.
Paola Martinez – Nxled Chameleons
Standing 6-foot tall, Martinez is a Spanish opposite spiker who has played in Spain, Romania, Poland, Belgium, Italy, and Cyprus. She is expected to lead a young Nxled squad with her veteran presence.
Lindsey Vander Weide – Petro Gazz Angels
Vander Weide is no stranger to the PVL, having powered Petro Gazz to the 2022 Reinforced Conference title. The American has also played professionally in France, Greece, Puerto Rico, and the USA.
Anastasiia Bavykina – PLDT High Speed Hitters
Fresh from a stint with Yenisey Krasnoyarsk in Russia, Bavykina adds size and firepower to a deep PLDT roster looking to contend for the title.
Anna DeBeer – ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles
The American outside hitter starred for the University of Louisville in collegiate volleyball and now begins her pro career in the PVL with ZUS Coffee.
Format
As in last year’s edition, the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference will follow a streamlined format.
The 12 participating teams will be split into two pools, playing a single round-robin within their groups. The top three squads from each pool will then advance to the second round, where they will only face the bottom three teams from the opposite pool.
After the second round, all 12 teams will be re-ranked from 1 to 12.
The bottom four will be eliminated, while the top eight move on to the knockout quarterfinals (1 vs 8, 2 vs 7, 3 vs 6, 4 vs 5).
The semifinals, finals, and bronze medal match will likewise be single-elimination, do-or-die showdowns.
With a formidable lineup of imports, the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference promises thrilling matchups, international flair, and a higher standard of play for Filipino volleyball fans.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.
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