After months of recovery from a ruptured appendix, Kat Tolentino returned to the PVL with renewed strength and gratitude, leading Choco Mucho to a statement win in her comeback game.
To say the least, 2025 has been quite a difficult year for Kat Tolentino.
What was supposed to be her comeback story turned into a year full of trials and tribulation.
The last time Tolentino stepped on the PVL taraflex before the recently-opened Reinforced Conference was on January 18, 2025.
Just two days later, she was rushed to the hospital and was diagnosed with a ruptured appendix, forcing her to undergo a major open surgery that sidelined her for the rest of the All-Filipino Conference and the entire PVL On Tour.
“It wasn’t a normal appendicitis. It was an open surgery, so my whole body was just very weak,” she recalled to One Sports.
“I wasn’t even healthy in terms of not just being an athlete, but even as a normal person. I lost a lot of weight, and I just had to be patient because I knew that I’d have to build up to where I am now.”
A triumphant return
The setback was another tough blow following a 2024 season already marked by struggles, when an auditory issue had also kept Tolentino out of action.
But on Tuesday night, in front of roaring fans at the Ynares Center Montalban, the Choco Mucho veteran finally marked her long-awaited return.
Tolentino powered in 15 points and tallied 11 digs to help Choco Mucho edge Bella Belen and the Capital1 Solar Spikers in a razor-thin 33-31, 26-24, 25-23 sweep.
“I don’t think there were any nerves,” Tolentino said after the win.
“It was more that I just had to get my movements because games are very different from training. I had to adjust to the crowd again, but I had full belief in my team. I knew we were going to win.”
Finding gratitude amid the struggles
For Tolentino, the victory went beyond the numbers. It was a culmination of months of being patient with her body and learning to see the game through a lens of gratitude rather than pressure.
“It’s definitely built character,” she said. “It made me into a more thankful athlete. Before, I focused too much on winning and put so much pressure on myself. But this conference, I’m just happy and thankful to be back. It’s more about gratitude right now.”
Far from finished
But even after her strong outing, Tolentino believes she’s still far from her peak.
“I know I have more to give,” she said. “That wasn’t even close to what I can offer. But I’m just thankful to be back on the court. Whether or not I contribute right now, it’s already a blessing.”
[ALSO READ: Kat Tolentino’s heart and loyalty stand firmly with Choco Mucho | Off the Record]
With three more months until 2025 ends, Tolentino is looking to close out the year with all the strength and motivation to lead Choco Mucho to a coveted PVL title.
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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.