Shola Alvarez shares why she passed on her No. 4 jersey to Bella Belen and how she’s relishing the challenge of playing libero for the Capital1 Solar Spikers.
For most of her volleyball career, Shola Alvarez has been known for two things: her reliable scoring on the wing and the No. 4 jersey she proudly wore.
But Alvarez suddenly found herself at the center of two major changes during the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference.
Still, she’s welcoming both with open arms.
Giving up a meaningful number
When Capital1 welcomed top rookie pick Bella Belen to the team, Alvarez was still the one wearing No. 4, a number she’d grown attached to over the years.
Capital1's Shola Alvarez last wore No. 4 during the 2025 PVL On Tour. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
But with Belen’s history and legacy tied to that number, Alvarez knew what she had to do.
“Actually, medyo mahirap bitawan ‘yung number kasi talagang malaking bagay ‘yung number na ‘yun,” Alvarez admitted to One Sports. “Pero since No. 11 naman kasi talaga ako nung college, binigay ko na rin ‘yung number ni Bella na [No.] 4 since deserve rin naman niya and first time niyang maglalaro sa PVL.”
The decision, Alvarez says, wasn’t just about tradition — it was about respect.
As one of the most anticipated rookies to ever enter the league, Belen signified a new era for the Solar Spikers, and Alvarez felt it was right to give her the chance to wear the jersey she’s most identified with.
“Hindi naman mahirap bitawan at ibigay kay Bella ‘yun kasi deserve rin naman talaga niya,” she said. “And yeah, number 11 naman talaga ako nung college pa lang ako. So ayun, hindi naman masyadong naging complicated pagdating ko.”
[ALSO READ: Bella Belen says pressure still there even after first PVL win with Capital1]
Embracing her dream role
The number change wasn’t the only shift Alvarez faced at this conference.
In an unexpected move, the veteran also transitioned from her usual outside hitter position to libero due to Roma Mae Doromal sitting out the match as she recovers from her abdominal injury.
“Well actually, na-excite lang ako. Hindi ko alam kung bakit hindi ako nakaramdam ng pressure,” she said. “Feeling ko, fantasy ko kasi ang pagiging libero. So 'yun, feeling ko make sure ko lang din na talagang i-enjoy ko 'yung game.”
With minimal time to prepare for the role, Alvarez focused less on expectations and more on embracing the new challenge.
“Since first game ko din ngayon and libero pa ako, hindi ako nabigyan ng mahabang time to prepare,” she explained. “Ang mindset ko lang simula kagabi hanggang ngayon ay talagang i-enjoy ko lang 'yung game. Kaya wala rin naging pressure sa akin.”
(With reports by Jamie Velasco/One Sports)
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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.