Jia de Guzman is set to end her two-season stint with Denso Airybees, closing her chapter in Japan’s SV.League as she puts focus with her Alas Pilipinas duties.
Jia de Guzman’s journey in Japan’s SV.League is coming to a close, at least for now.
The veteran setter and Alas Pilipinas captain is parting ways with Denso Airybees after two seasons, marking the end of her initial stint in Japan’s top volleyball league.
Her departure was announced just a day after Jaja Santiago, known in Japan as Sachi Minowa, confirmed her exit from Osaka Marvelous, and weeks after Maddie Madayag wrapped up her first overseas run with Kurobe Aqua Fairies.
In a heartfelt farewell, de Guzman thanked Denso for giving her the platform to grow on and off the court.
“I am sincerely grateful to the staff, teammates, and fans for their trust and support over the past two seasons,” de Guzman shared. “Everything I learned at Denso has helped me grow as an athlete and as a person. I’ve made lifelong friends and I look forward to seeing everyone again.”
During her time in Japan, de Guzman helped Denso capture the 2023–24 Japan V.League V.Cup crown, which was followed by a silver finish at the 72nd Kurowashiki All Japan Volleyball Tournament.
[ALSO READ: Jia De Guzman wins Japan V Cup gold with Denso Airybees]
But before she officially bids farewell, she’ll suit up one last time for no. 4 Denso in the 2024-25 SV.League playoffs, where her squad will take on the Saitama Ageo Medics in the quarterfinals.
Once her Japan campaign ends, de Guzman will return home to lead a new batch of hopefuls vying for a spot in the Philippine national team.
“After the SV.League season, I will focus on the 2025 national team selection,” she said. “I will carry this experience with me and use it to contribute to Philippine volleyball.”
[ALSO READ: PNVF calls 33 prospects for Alas Pilipinas Women tryouts ahead of international tourneys]
Alas Women will ready for several international tournaments this year, starting with the AVC Challenge Cup for Women in July and the SEA Games towards the end of 2025.