As confetti rained down on the court to signal the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers' triumph over the Petron Blaze Spikers in the 2018 Chooks-to-Go PSL Invitationals, spiker Ara Galang hugged her teammates while shedding tears of joy.
Galang capped off her resurgent conference with a championship and a most valuable player award as she continues her remarkable comeback from a potentially devastating knee injury.
"I can't explain the feeling. All the sacrifices that we made to get here were worth it," she said. "I'm thankful for everyone in the team. Without their help, I wouldn't be able to come back. I got my confidence from them."
Indeed, it was a tough journey for one of the best volleyball talents the country has ever seen.
Five years ago, Galang held the same top individual plum in the UAAP after leading La Salle to a third straight crown. She took the collegiate league by storm, earning the rookie of the year honors prior to her MVP season. Her high volleyball IQ coupled with elite all-around skills made her a serious threat to all opposing teams.
Galang continued to rise until her young career took an unfortunate turn in 2015. The promising star suffered a gruesome knee injury that would haunt her for several months. She returned to the limelight, even copping another title with La Salle on her last playing year, but her usual aggressiveness and tenacity were gone.
The road to a complete recovery was a discouraging one for the 23-year-old, whose recurring injury sidelined her multiple times. F2 coach Ramil de Jesus even revealed that at some point, Galang wanted to give up volleyball.
"Last time, that kid wanted to quit. Maybe the injury that she got in Season 77 was really different," he shared in Filipino. "She obtained bone bruises. The doctor said she would not recover in just a few months. It's not similar to an ACL injury as her bone was chipped. It really takes time."
De Jesus was instrumental in encouraging Galang to persevere. With his guidance, his long-time player continued rehabilitating her knee and working hard in training.
Everything paid off for Galang as she showed glimpses of her old, deadly form this conference, especially in the Cargo Movers' finals sweep of Petron. The veteran winger anchored her team's offense and defense, averaging 16.5 points and 13 receptions in the championship series.
"I told her to be patient. After everything she's been through, now she's here. That's why I'm very proud of her. You rarely see that kind of talent in a player," said de Jesus.
Galang appreciated her mentor's key role in reviving her career. "Ever since college up to now, coach Ramil has always been a father figure for us. To be honest, we're not really close. We rarely talk, but when we do, it's always meaningful."
In return, Galang vows to give her all for the whole F2 community who never stopped supporting her even during her lowest points.
"I can't say if this the best that I ever played. All I know is that I always give my best every season," she humbly said. "I will always give my best - everything that I know, everything that I am capable of. What's important is that I keep on improving myself for the team."
Every powerful smash that Galang unleashed this conference served as proof that she still ranks among the best of the best, and it could be the start of more incredible performances from the MVP.