Decorated setter Jia Morado-De Guzman never thought she would receive an award like Ms. Volleyball with the Philippine Sportswriters Association.
In the sport of volleyball, setters are often working in the background, where they manufacture a team’s offense to help their wing spikers and middle blockers shine in the scoring department.
Like liberos, setters aren’t the most attention-grabbing players in the taraflex.
But on Monday night, eight-time PVL Best Setter Jia Morado-De Guzman shone the brightest, as she was named Ms. Volleyball by the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) during their annual awards night at the Manila Hotel.
Unable to attend personally due to her professional stint in Japan, De Guzman bared her thoughts on getting the award through a recorded video message.
“This is actually a dream come true for me because being a setter in volleyball and playing a non-scoring, supporting role for my team, I've always found the most fulfillment in seeing my teammates, my spikers shine,” said De Guzman.
“But along with a non-scoring position comes challenges, self-placed limitations and even dreams that I thought I would never be able to achieve. Dreams like playing as a setter import in Japan and even receiving a distinctive award such as Miss Volleyball. So I have to thank all of you for this,” she added.
De Guzman was awarded the distinction for her professional conquests and leading a young Alas Pilipinas team to podium finishes during their international competitions in 2024.
The former Ateneo standout made sure to deflect the credit to her teammates and coaches as well, along with mentions of her sponsors and management.
But perhaps the sweetest of thanks was addressed to her husband Miguel, who represented her and received the award on her behalf.
“I’d also like to thank my husband Miguel for being my anchor and making me strong in ways I never thought possible. Also to our families back home for their unwavering love and support all these years,” said De Guzman.
Though a major awardee herself, the former Creamline Cool Smashers also acknowledged her fellow elite athletes who were awarded with their respective citations on Monday, with double-gold medalist Carlos Yulo being named Athlete of the Year.
[RELATED: Carlos Yulo wins Athlete of the Year, Filipino Olympians feted at PSA Awards Night]
“The athletes awarded here today, even those before and those to come in the future, know very well the sacrifices that come with being called to this prestigious event. More than sweet victories, there may be even more heartbreaks, failure, falling short, self-doubt, and being put into situations you may feel unqualified for,” said De Guzman.
“But I believe it's in our hardest, lowest points that we see what matters most to us as people and as athletes. It's when we see why we do what we do,” she added.
De Guzman nabbed the award a year after former Creamline teammate Tots Carlos received the recognition in 2024.
Apart from De Guzman, also acknowledged as major awardees by the PSA were basketball players June Mar Fajardo and Kevin Quiambao.
Fajardo was named Mr. Basketball as a professional while the two-time UAAP MVP was cited for the amateur category of the award.