The Lady Beast says she still wants to grow as a player.
Grethcel Soltones has been playing volleyball for most of her adult life, from the NCAA to the Shakey's V-League to the PVL. She's been a multi-titled champion and a many-time MVP in her career.
At 28 years old, she still wants to learn more.
"Binigyan ko na kung ilang years na lang ako maglalaro sa volleyball," Soltones admitted to One Sports' The Game on Wednesday. "I want my last years na kung ano pa 'yung kaya kong ibigay at kung paano pa ko mag-iimprove."
And she found that with the Akari Chargers, specifically, coach Takayuki Minowa of sister team Nxled Chameleons. The Japanese coach was last year named director of volleyball operations for both squads.
"Na-in love ako sa system ni coach Taka," Soltones admitted.
The Japanese tactician made an impressive debut with the young Chameleons, leading them to a 4-7 record in the PVL Second All-Filipino Conference.
It wasn't easy to say goodbye to the Petro Gazz Angels though, a team Soltones called home for at least three years.
"Sobrang umiyak ako. Syempre Petro Gazz was my home. Dun din ako nag-grow as a person, 'di lang as a player thanks to mommy Chie (Saet) and also sa management. Sobrang inalagaan din ako," she shared.
Soltones recounted how she asked to take leave of the team.
"'Sir, pwede ba ko lumipat? Kasi gusto kong mag-grow as a player pa," she recalled saying. "So 'di nila ako pinigilan. 'Okay, dun ka. Kung saan ka maggo-grow, dun kami su-support.'"
It was almost enough to make Soltones waver.
"Nung sa puso ko, sabi stay. Nasa isip ko, yung growth," she said.
The Lady Beast chose Akari, despite the squad finishing seventh with a 5-6 record.
"'Yung una ko talagang nakita, 'yung potential nila sa team," Soltones noted. "Kayang kaya nila tumalo ng teams kung 'di ganun ka-short 'yung time to prepare."
With a group of youngsters in Akari, the Chargers' latest "Ate" is looking forward to learn more.
"Every training, shine-share ko yung nakikita ko sa kanila na kulang," she said. "May matututunan kami sa inyo, may matututunan din kayo sa'min."
The Chargers already boast of being the top blocking team of the previous conference's preliminary round. With the Lady Beast, imagine what more they can do with their reception and attacks.