The former Cool Smasher seems to have settled in nicely in her new environment.
Things are turning up roses for former Creamline Cool Smasher Jia de Guzman ever since she took her talents to Japan.
Formally introduced as a member of the Japan V.League’s Denso Airybees just a week ago, de Guzman has apparently been in Japan for a little over a month now—something she revealed only recently in a sweet tribute post for her husband, Miguel, whom de Guzman credits for helping her out in this new chapter.
“I stand by what I said on our wedding day... that ‘in your love, I felt God’s love,’” de Guzman captioned in a series of photos of Miguel. “I know it’s only been a month here, but your constant love and presence gives me so much strength to take on this journey and more.”
The decorated setter out of the Ateneo Blue Eagles has been strong all right—and in sync already with her new teammates at Denso.
But while de Guzman’s transition to a different league appears seamless, she continues to pick up bits and pieces about the game to make her a better player. And playing with and against some of the world’s best appears to be doing wonders for the 28-year-old setter.
A case in point is Denso’s recent exhibition match against the Brazilian national team, where she got to play against the best of the best, like Olympian Rosamaria Montibeller. And, on Tuesday, de Guzman shared this amazing experience on her Instagram.
“I’ve always been a student of the game, taking in every opportunity to learn what I can,” wrote de Guzman to describe a series of photos she posted of her and some of Brazil’s players. “Yesterday was one of the extra special days. It was a privilege not just to watch these amazing players train in person, but also play on the same court with them.”
Incidentally, de Guzman will soon share the same court with Montibeller again—but as teammates in Denso.
Imagine all the things the former Cool Smasher will learn along the way with the Brazilian as one of her mentors.
(GM)