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PVL: Capital1’s Des Clemente shares how she found her light, renewed heart for volleyball

After grappling with limited playing time and self-doubt about her future in the sport, 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference Best Middle Blocker Des Clemente of the Capital1 Solar Spikers, has rediscovered the light in her volleyball journey.

Capital1 Solar Spikers’ Des Clemente talks about finding her time to shine in the PVL. | Photo © PVL, Art by Mitzi Solano/One Sports

Trusting the timing of life is essential, and Des Clemente of the Capital1 Solar Spikers embodies that spirit.

After relentless perseverance through challenges, she earned the recognition she truly deserves—the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference Best Middle Blocker award.

As a new season dawns, her hunger for greatness burns even brighter.

Rising to shine

After limited playing time with the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers and the Petro Gazz Angels, Des Clemente embraced the challenge of proving herself once more.

With the unwavering support of Capital1 head coach Roger Gorayeb, Des found a guiding light for her career revival.

The 6-foot-1 Davao native was determined to give her all for the Solar Spikers.

“Para sa akin, this is the last chance na ibigay ko ‘yong lahat. Before ako mag-retire, kung kailan man, ayokong magsalita ng tapos,” she told One Sports.

Her past experiences became her inspiration to grow.

“After PSL (Philippine Super Liga) to PVL, hindi na ako masyadong nagamit. Pero ‘yon ‘yong ginawa kong motivation sa team na ‘to,” she shared.

“Gusto ko naman, ako naman by this time. Gusto ko, every game, is a championship game. Gusto kong i-all out ‘yong sarili ko sa game na ‘yon,” she added.

From shadows to sunlight

The path to success is rarely a straight line. During tough times, Des found herself questioning whether she would ever return to the volleyball court.

“Nag-doubt ako sa sarili ko kasi after pandemic. Sabi ko, kaya ko pa ba? Ang daming bagong players, ang daming young. Dumating pa sa point na ayoko na,” she reflected.

There were moments when she felt volleyball might not be her destiny and considered stepping away for good.

“Hindi ko na inexpect na makakapaglaro pa talaga ako. Kasi iniisip ko, last chance ko na ‘to. Kapag wala talaga, hindi talaga para sa akin ang volleyball. Dumating sa point na ayoko nang maglaro. Pati sarili ko, ayoko nang pagkatiwalaan,” she shared.

Yet, like the sun rising after a long night, Clemente found the strength to believe in herself once more.

With Coach Roger’s unwavering belief in her, Des has begun to trust herself again.

“Simula nang dumating si Coach Roger, sinasabi ko sa sarili ko na gusto ko ng coach na pagkakatiwalaan ako,” she said.

“Gusto ko ‘yong coach na gigisingin ‘yong skills ko sa volleyball. Dumating si Coach Roger para tulungan at i-boost ang confidence ko. Gusto niyang ipakita ang mga kakayahan ko na alam niyang kaya ko pang gawin,” she added.

Radiant triumph

The moment Des has worked so hard for has finally arrived. After years of dedication and patience, she received her well-deserved Best Middle Blocker Award at the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.

“Out of nowhere na biglang tinawagan ako for award. Talagang hindi ko alam kung anong emotion ‘yong lalabas that time. It’s a blessing talaga,” she shared.

Des expressed deep gratitude to her Solar Spikers teammates, who have been her guiding light. “Hindi ko rin makukuha ‘yong award kung hindi rin sa tulong nila,” she said.

For Des, there are no superstars on the Solar Spikers; everyone is united in pursuit of their dreams.

“Tulong tulong lahat, pantay pantay kami. Walang sikat. Team kami. Ayaw namin ng individual, gusto namin tulong-tulong,” she added, embodying the spirit of togetherness that shines bright.

Beacon of hope

As a living testament to trusting your own pace and seizing opportunities, Des Clemente offers an inspiring message of hope to her fellow volleybelles.

“It’s not too late. Baka by this time, hindi mo pa time pero ‘wag kang mawawalan ng kumpiyansa sa sarili mo. Magpa-kundisyon pa rin. Kapag dumating na ‘yong time mo, ‘yong chance na matagal mo nang hinihintay, grab it. At ‘wag na ‘wag mong sasayangin ‘yong chance na ‘yon,” Clemente advised.