Ex-La Salle spiker returns, declares for draft

Jade Fuentes is back to chase her volleyball dream. —PHOTO COURTESY OF JADE FUENTES

Jade Fuentes, the lone Filipino-foreign prospect among the 42 aspirants in the Premier Volleyball League Rookie Draft, is eager to make her mark in her return to the Philippines—this time as a professional player.

The 6-foot spiker was part of La Salle’s program from 2020 to 2022 before continuing her career in the United States, where she helped Rio Hondo College win its first-ever conference championship and earned First Team All-Conference honors in the 2023-24 season.

Fuentes later suited up for California State University Dominguez Hills in NCAA Division II, where she also served as team captain.

“Having these experiences has helped me become a smarter attacker and sharpen my skills,” Fuentes told the Inquirer.

“Besides the versatility required of an outside hitter, I have a growth mindset where I’m always trying to learn and improve. Being a captain for both my college teams in the [United States] also showed the leadership qualities I can bring.”

For the California-born hitter, returning to the Philippines and playing in the PVL had always been part of the plan.

“Returning to the Philippines has always been part of my plan. After playing one year for DLSU, I knew I wanted to come back and play here again once I obtained my bachelor’s degree,” she said.

“I love the environment and the quick pace of the game, and I’m super excited to be back in the Philippines.”

Now entering the draft, Fuentes hopes to contribute right away to whichever team gives her an opportunity.

“My ultimate goal is to make an impact on whichever team selects me and help them win a championship,” she said. “I’m hoping to join a team where everyone learns from each other, pushes each other to be better, and works toward the common goal of becoming the best we can be.”

Though her stint with La Salle was brief, Fuentes said she still carries the lessons she learned under veteran coach Ramil De Jesus—lessons that stayed with her throughout her journey in the United States and into her pursuit of a professional career back home.

“Playing for Coach Ramil as a Lady Spiker was such an amazing experience. Under his guidance, I learned how to play like a champion,” she said.

“He had certain standards for all his players, and that helped me hold myself to those standards even after leaving DLSU. He taught me the importance of discipline, and I learned to play with grace, pride and strength. Overall, those lessons helped me become a stronger player and grow over the years.”

Fuentes enters a loaded draft class headlined by former National University star Alyssa Solomon, fresh off a stint in Japan’s SV.League, along with UAAP standouts Lams Lamina, Detdet Pepito, Niña Ytang and Tin Ubaldo.

Still, Fuentes believes her experience on both sides of the Pacific gives her an edge.

“I think what gives me an edge is that I have experience playing collegiately both here and in the United States,” she said. “I’ve played against and alongside all types of players, and I can adjust easily.”

The 42 PVL hopefuls will showcase their skills in the mandatory Draft Combine from May 28 to 29 at Gameville Ballpark in Mandaluyong City. Applicants have until June 1 to withdraw from the draft pool. INQ