De La Salle University (DLSU) superstar and UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament Most Valuable Player (MVP), Angel Canino, will not represent Alas Pilipinas in the upcoming 2024 Southeast Asian Volleyball League. Canino's absence has sparked various discussions and speculations, but her decision underscores the balance that student-athletes must strike between academic responsibilities and national team commitments.
Alas Pilipinas head coach Jorge Souza de Brito confirmed Canino’s absence from the Philippines women’s volleyball national team, revealing that only the players who joined the training camp in Japan will be given the opportunity to play in the SEA V. League. This decision highlights the rigorous training and dedication required to be part of the national team, which Canino, due to her academic commitments, could not fulfill this time.
🇵🇭 Alas Pilipinas’ Angel Canino will miss both legs of the SEA V-League due to her commitments with DLSU, leaving her out of the Alas Pilipinas lineup. #SEAVLeague via @spinph
— Volleytrails (@volleytrails) July 18, 2024
Read more: https://t.co/Sv2aFrOt9R pic.twitter.com/kDrHf0BRjO
Questions were raised over the 21-year-old’s absence from Alas Pilipinas squad which touched down in Kansai, Japan, for their two-week training camp. However, De Brito confirmed that this was not due to injury or miscommunication but rather due to her commitments to De La Salle University (DLSU). "She has her duties with DLSU, and we support her commitment there. Sure, we would love it if she could join the Women’s National Team (WNT) training camp, but it’s all good," De Brito said as reported by media outlets.
Canino's dedication to her university responsibilities showcases the dual roles student-athletes often juggle. Balancing education and sports can be challenging, and Canino's choice to prioritize her studies is commendable.
There remains no doubt that Alas Pilipinas will miss Canino, considering that she played a key role in their historic bronze medal run in the 2024 AVC Challenger Cup. The youngster was named the Best Opposite Spiker of the tournament, and her absence means that National University ace Alyssa Solomon will get the opportunity to make her debut after missing the last two tournaments.
Canino’s contributions to the team have been significant, and her absence will be felt. However, it also opens the door for other talented players to step up and showcase their skills on an international platform. Solomon's debut is highly anticipated, and her performance will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
The team does have several star players and mainstays such as Jia De Guzman, Sisi Rondina, Eya Laure, Dawn Macandili-Catinding, Jema Galanza, Jen Nierva, Vanie Gandler, Fifi Sharma, and Faith Nisperos, among others, as part of the squad. This depth of talent ensures that the team remains competitive despite the absence of key players like Canino.
Each of these players brings unique strengths to the team, creating a well-rounded and formidable lineup. Jia De Guzman's experience and leadership, Sisi Rondina's dynamic play, and Eya Laure's offensive prowess are just a few examples of the capabilities within the squad. The blend of experienced veterans and rising stars creates a balanced team capable of competing at the highest level.
The squad will keep training until July 25 and will aim to secure its first podium finish in the regional meet since winning back-to-back bronze medals in the inaugural 2019 edition in Thailand and the most recent edition on home soil. The intensive training regimen in Japan is designed to hone the skills and teamwork of the players, ensuring they are in peak condition for the upcoming tournament.
Training camps like the one in Japan are crucial for building team chemistry and implementing strategic plans. The rigorous sessions and high-level competition help players adapt to the pressures of international play, preparing them for the challenges ahead.
While Canino's absence from the SEA Volleyball League is notable, it does not diminish her future prospects with the national team. Her performance in the UAAP and previous international tournaments has firmly established her as one of the Philippines' brightest volleyball talents. Fans and coaches alike look forward to her return to the national team, where she is expected to continue making significant contributions.
Angel Canino’s decision to prioritize her commitments with DLSU over representing Alas Pilipinas in the SEA Volleyball League highlights the challenges student-athletes face in balancing academic and athletic responsibilities. While her absence will be felt, it also provides an opportunity for other players to step up and shine. The strength and depth of the Alas Pilipinas squad, combined with their rigorous training, positions them well for a strong performance in the upcoming tournament.
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