When Spikers' Turf reopened after two years of hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, household men's volleyball names were present in the 2022 Open Conference.
Then there's the fresh, new-found talents including Jade Disquitado, an 18-year-old kid from Santa Rosa Lions.
Fast forward to 2023, the 5-foot-11 outside spiker was named to the Philippine national team pool for the 32nd Southeast Asian Games.
"Sobrang thankful ako dahil kung hindi naman dahil sa Spikers' Turf hindi rin ako makikita ng ibang coach para ito nga, nakuha ako sa national team dahil sa Spikers' Turf. Nakikilala ako unti-unti," said Disquitado, who plays for D'Navigators-Iloilo in the 2023 Open Conference.
The Philippine National Volleyball Federation bared the 15-man training pool on Sunday, with 11 players coming from Spikers' Turf namely Cotabato's Jau Umandal, Lloyd Josafat, Rex Intal, Vince Lorenzo, Madz Gampong, Kim Dayandante, Jelex Mendiola, Edward Camposano, and Jayvee Sumagaysay; and National U-Archipelago middle blockers Rwenzmel Taguibolos and Leo Ordiales.
Completing the pool are Vince Mangulabnan, Jay Rack Dela Noche, and Noel Kampton who all saw action in the 2022 V-League Collegiate Challenge, a tournament also organized by Sports Vision.
"Syempre sobrang saya kasi sa sobrang dami ng players sa Pilipinas, isa ako sa napili para maglaro sa national team," added Disquitado, a key factor why Iloilo is atop the standings at 3-0.
