JULES Samonte will make her pro debut in the Premier Volleyball League as the former Ateneo standout suits up for PLDT Home Fibr in the Open Conference slated next month.

A 5-foot-9 middle blocker, Samonte played for the Perlas Spikers in the PNVF Champions League late last year.

Together with her Perlas teammate Heather Guino-o, Samonte has found a new club in the High Speed Hitters, hoping to contribute under coach George Pascua.

“It was unfortunate na na-disband yung Perlas but just grateful to have found a home in PLDT,” said Samonte.

Besides Samonte and Guino-o, libero Kath Arado, Jessey De Leon, Mean Mendrez, Dell Palomata, Jovie Prado, Wendy Semana, Fiola Ceballos, and Lhara Clavano were acquired by the High Speed Hitters, who were no doubt the busiest club in the PVL off-season.

Only captain Rhea Dimaculangan, Chin Basas, Eli Soyud and Iza Viray were retained from last season’s three-win squad.

Samonte has mixed emotions heading into her new journey.

“It’s kind of exciting and nerve-wracking because lalabas na naman ako sa comfort zone ko and this time, wala na talaga akong ate na nakasama ko before,” said Samonte .

“Magiging teammate ko rin yung mga idol ko dati so yun yung exciting part. I know I’m going to learn a lot from my new teammates and the coaches,” the former UAAP Rookie of the Year winner added.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Theodore P. Jurado