Marlee Smith is ready to make her PVL debut with Choco Mucho, saying she’s most excited to feel the energy and connect with the Flying Titans’ passionate fans.
Marlee Smith hasn’t played a single PVL match yet, but the American spiker is already looking forward to one thing the most — meeting the Choco Mucho’s passionate supporters.
Smith has been tapped by the Flying Titans as their import for the upcoming 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference.
“I love the energy, I love the vibe of the Philippines. It's very welcoming and accepting, so I'm really excited to show what I have this year, this season,” Smith told One Sports.
What pressure?
Playing for a crowd favorite like Choco Mucho comes with plenty of pressure, but the 26-year-old spiker believes that the Flying Titans’ fan base will only fuel her as she begins her first PVL stint.
A passionate Choco Mucho crowd awaits Marlee Smith as she makes her PVL debut. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
“No, I don’t feel pressure. I feel like pressure makes diamonds, so if you can’t handle it, then you’re going to crumble — and I don’t think I’m going to crumble,” said Smith.
“I’m honestly excited. I love to talk to new people, meet new people. I’m not worried about it much. I feel like the fans are going to love me, and I’m going to love them,” she added.
Manifested into reality
Smith is no stranger to Filipino volleyball fans, having recently impressed with Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima QminC in the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League.
As the tournament ended, the 6-foot-1 power spiker clearly voiced her yearning to play in the Philippines in the future.
[ALSO READ: Anyse Smith open to Philippine volleyball stint as Nakhon Ratchasima captures AVC bronze]
And now that she’s in the PVL, her move to Choco Mucho feels like destiny.
“I feel like I worked hard for it, I manifested, I prayed for it, and what's meant for you always happens for you, so it was meant to be.”
Choco Mucho has struggled in the past conferences following the exit of Sisi Rondina due to beach volleyball duties for Alas Pilipinas.
But with Smith’s arrival, coupled with the injury return of several key stars in the team, the Flying Titans are eager to get back to contender status in the Reinforced tilt, which begins on October 7.
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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.