Mylene Paat savored her long-awaited PVL return for the Chery Tiggo EV Crossovers after spending over a year recovering from a major shoulder injury.
It hasn’t been the start the Chery Tiggo EV Crossovers had hoped for. But for Mylene Paat, just stepping back onto the taraflex was already a victory.
The veteran spiker finally made her return to action in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference after being sidelined for more than a year with a supraspinatus tear (also referred to as a rotator cuff tear) in her left shoulder.
Paat admitted that she didn’t expect to log significant playing time right away, which made the trust given by the Chery Tiggo EV coaches all the more meaningful.
“Hindi ko nga in-expect na mabababad ako ng gano'n katagal kanina,” Paat told reporters after Chery Tiggo’s five-set defeat to Akari . “So ‘yung mindset ko talaga, na kada ipasok ako, magpa-perform ako.”
“Sobrang saya ko kasi pinagkakatiwalaan ako ng coaches ko even though hindi pa ako gano'n ka-hundred percent talaga.”
A tough road back
Now back on the taraflex, Paat revealed that the journey was far from easy, filled with physical and emotional challenges.
“Actually, sobrang tagal eh. So, one year ako mahigit na nag-rerecover. Actually, mag-anniversary na ako sa operation ko,” she recalled. “Madami din kasi ako pinagdaanan eh. Pero hindi ako nawawala mismo dun sa loob ng training. I mean, nagti-training sila, pero nasa gilid ako nagre-recover.”
Amid the ups and downs — or as she put it, “downs, downs, downs” — Paat leaned on her faith and the unwavering support of her loved ones.
“Sobrang thankful lang ako kay God na sa journey ko, Siya yung kinakapitan ko. And of course, my husband [Sergey Rezanov],” she added.
[ALSO READ: Joyride to success: Mylene Paat shares a sweet message for her hubby, Sergey Rezanov]
A small step toward a bigger comeback
More than the physical grind, Paat emphasized that overcoming the mental battle was the most difficult part of her recovery, and one that ultimately made her stronger.
“‘Yung mentality talaga ‘yung number one. Pag ganito kasi galing ka sa mga injuries, ito kasi ‘yung pinaka-major injury na naranasan ko,” she said. “Sobrang laking itinulong din nito para sa akin para more tough ba ‘yung pag-iisip ko.”
Mylene Paat spikes the ball during Chery Tiggo's PVL Reinforced Conference match against Akari. | Photo: PVL
While the Crossovers are still searching for their first win of the conference, Paat is simply cherishing every moment back on the court.
“Actually, sobrang saya ko. As in, sobrang saya ko. Even my family, sobrang saya din. My husband, lalo lalo na ‘yung mga teammates ko. Sobrang saya din na step by step. Step by step, malayo na pero malayo pa,” she said.
Paat and the Crossovers will try to break into the win column when they face Petro Gazz on Saturday in Ilagan City.
[ALSO READ: SCHEDULE, RESULTS | 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference guide, where to watch, results, more]
—
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.