Jolina Dela Cruz found someone who can relate to the emotional and physical toll of dealing with her ACL injury. And that was former F2 Logistics teammate Ara Galang.
In 2023, Jolina Dela Cruz faced a monumental challenge after suffering a right anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury that left her shaken and uncertain about her future.
Leading up to the incident, the former F2 Logistics Cargo Movers star had already been battling bouts of cramps during games.
Despite pushing through those struggles, her world changed during a match against the PLDT High Speed Hitters during the 2023 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
After going for what was supposed to be a simple dig, Dela Cruz grimaced in pain after twisting her knee.
“Nung sa PLDT, okay naman 'yung ginagalaw ko that time. Pero nung pag-ikot ko nga rin sa likod, may kinuha akong bola. So nung pag-twist ko na 'yun, nakarinig din kasi ako na parang [crack],” Dela Cruz in a candid interview with the PVL.
“Tumunog siya, so kaya umiyak ako nun kasi parang alam ko na.”
Dela Cruz immediately wept after feeling the pain in her knee, which she later admitted was more of a panic attack.
“'Yung iyak ko nun is nag-panic attack ako. 'Yung PT ko nun like [pinapat ako sa mukha] kasi nga umiiyak ako tas parang non-stop talaga. Wala akong pinapakinggan, hindi ko na rin sila naririnig kasi,” she revealed.
Processing her emotions also proved to be an even bigger battle.
Dela Cruz described how she felt entirely alone as she tried to make sense of her injury.
"Mahirap siya in a way nag-struggle talaga ako i-process 'yung emotions ko that time. Sobrang na-feel ko na parang alone lang ako, ganyan. Kasi nga wala akong mapagtanungan,” she admitted.
But in the midst of the uncertainty, she found support from her ate and former teammate, Ara Galang, who had also been through similar battles.
"After nun nag-message naman si Ate Ara na 'wag ko lang daw talaga madaliin. So, like now iniisip ko na lang din na blessing in disguise 'yung lahat ng nangyari kasi siyempre sobrang takot ko lang din that time. Kasi pag na-injure kasi hindi mo rin alam kung saan ka pupunta,” she added.
It didn’t take long for the Foxies to snap up the 25-year-old outside hitter following the disbandment of the Cargo Movers.
“Sobrang happy ko lang din na may tumanggap pa rin sakin even though na injured pa rin ako,” said Dela Cruz.
As she nears her return to the taraflex, the former DLSU star is hoping to repay Farm Fresh’s trust and patience after all these months.
“'Yung goal ko talaga unang-una is maging healthy na talaga buong season hanggang matapos 'yung volleyball career ko. Kasi sobrang hirap magkaroon ng injury, especially kapag hindi ka sanay na ganun nangyayari sa 'yo,” said Dela Cruz.
[RELATED STORY: PVL: Jolina Dela Cruz gives positive update on recovery from ACL injury]