For Kianna Dy and Jolina Dela Cruz, it helps to have a boyfriend who is also an athlete and who knows the struggle of dealing with the entire injury recovery process.
Injuries are a part of every athlete's journey, but the path to recovery can often be long and grueling.
For volleyball stars Kianna Dy and Jolina Dela Cruz, the support of their significant others has been a crucial element in their ability to stay focused and motivated throughout their recovery processes.
[ALSO READ: Kianna Dy, Jolina Dela Cruz bares injury recovery progress amid ongoing PVL All-Filipino Conference]
Through shared experiences and constant encouragement, Dy and Dela Cruz have found strength in their partners as they work toward getting back on the court.
It’s been more than a year since Dy sustained her injury. And while the physical recovery has been a challenge, she has chosen not to dwell on the setbacks.
"It happens, what can we do? You can’t dwell on it, you can’t sulk because then you can’t push yourself to get to play,” Dy said during the PVL's signing with Watsons Philippines on Tuesday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
“There are times that’s hard. May mga times na you want to give up. The reason that we keep pushing everyday is that we want to play again. Sayang naman ‘yung progress if we just give up,” she added.
One key source of support during the PLDT star’s recovery has been her partner Dwight Ramos, who has been a star for Gilas Pilipinas and the Levanga Hokkaido in Japan.
“He’s one of the [people] na nagpu-push talaga sa’kin na kaya ko, na I can do stuff that I feel like I can’t do. It’s really good that he understands what I’m going through also. Siya rin na-injure so we’re helping each other get back,” Dy explained.
[ALSO READ: “Best Girl” Kim Kianna Dy shows support for the DLSU Lady Spikers and her “pogi boy" Dwight Ramos, Gilas]
Like Dy, Dela Cruz has also leaned on her partner, Ralph Cu of Barangay Ginebra, during her injury recovery.
Although the 25-year-old spiker has not been able to contribute directly to Farm Fresh’s performance, she continues to support them from the sidelines, offering advice and guidance whenever possible.
“Of course, gusto namin tulungan 'yung team namin as much as possible pero ang mahe-help lang namin nasa side lang din kami, giving them [advice] kung ano makakatulong na pwede namin sabihin sa kanila,” said Dela Cruz.
Dela Cruz’s partner has also been a consistent source of encouragement throughout her healing process.
“Kay Ralph naman lagi naman niya ako nireremind na tuloy lang. Sayang ‘yung progress [kung] hihinto pa kami and malapit na rin eh ang sinasabi lang din ni Ralph palagi na babalik ka din sa dati or baka mas ok pa so mas isipin mo na lang yung basta pinupush naman nila kami palagi na mas mag improve pa talaga,” said Dela Cruz.
[ALSO READ: Dream Chasers: Ginebra rising rookie Ralph Cu keeps believing in himself]