Entering the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season without a team, Judith Abil faced uncertainty in her professional volleyball career. Undeterred, she seized an opportunity at the PVL Combine, a platform designed for free agents like her to showcase their talents and find new homes.
Having played for BaliPure in 2021 and briefly for Nxled in the previous season’s Second All-Filipino Conference, Abil’s journey took a turn when she caught the eye of the HD Spikers' coaching staff during the combine.
Head coach Shaq delos Santos, impressed by her performance and potential, extended an invitation for a tryout with Cignal—a chance Abil eagerly embraced.
Reflecting on her journey to Cignal, Abil recounted, “Nung free agent combine nagtry lang ako magpasa sa email then pumunta ako ng day 1 and yun po cinontact ako ni coach na magtryout sa team Cignal then yun po nagtuloy-tuloy na.”
Delos Santos quickly recognized her capabilities upon observing her in practice.
“Si Judith kasi wala pa ako nung una siyang dumating. Kung nasan ‘man ako. Sabi nga [nung] assistant ko, na si Judith daw ganito ganiyan. So sabi ko, ‘Sige, papuntahin mo’ and then nung nagkita kami, ‘Balik ka next week, observe kita ng three days,” shared delos Santos.
He noted Abil's exceptional floor defense, receiving skills, and service prowess, traits that convinced him to convert her from a wing spiker into a defensive specialist, especially in light of star libero Dawn Macandili-Catindig’s absence due to national team duties.
“Every tuneup namin gagamitin ko siya sa service hanggang sa parang sabi ko, malaki ‘yung potential niya sa libero kasi ‘yun din ‘yung kailangan namin ma-improve,” delos Santos explained, emphasizing Abil’s adaptability and commitment to her new role.
Abil’s dedication bore fruit on Thursday night when Cignal faced Choco Mucho in their opening match of the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference. She played a pivotal role in the HD Spikers’ straight-set victory, anchoring the team’s defense with 15 excellent digs and eight receptions—an impressive debut that underscored her value to the squad.
“Unang una, thank you sa tiwala. Sa mga coaches, sa mga teammates na nagtiwala sa akin kasi yung transition hindi madali pero sa tulong ng coaches and teammates madali yung trabaho,” expressed Abil.
Delos Santos commended Abil’s contributions, highlighting not just her skills but also her infectious energy and work ethic.
“Grabe ‘yung puhunan niya eh, hindi lang skills eh. ‘Yung jolly siya, ‘yung pagiging aggressive niya, talagang all out siya pag training, ‘di siya ‘yung tipong mahihiya kasi bago. Sabi ko nga sa kanya, isa ‘yun sa hinahanap din namin sa player kasi kailangan may konting kulit na alam namin na kapag tumrabaho, grabe ‘yung galaw,” remarked the veteran coach.
Looking ahead, Abil recognizes the nature of sports careers, particularly in a competitive league like the PVL.
However, she remains focused on embracing her role and trusting in herself, determined to make the most of her second chance with the HD Spikers.
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