Fully-recovered Leila Cruz seeks to bounce back

Leila Cruz. PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — One setback would not determine Leila Cruz's volleyball career. After recovering from an acute cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, the La Salle stalwart is off to chase her dream to play professional volleyball in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).

She is one of the 17 aspirants in the PVL rookie draft on July 8. Cruz, who was sidelined in Season 86 of the UAAP, is determined to bounce back as she is now fully recovered from her ACL injury. "My progress so far is okay, the recovery is slow that is why I did not play in the last season, but now, I am fully recovered," Cruz said. "I can offer to them my willingness, especially since I just returned and I know that still have a lot to learn. But my willingness to learn, and to be a better player is a huge help." The six-foot opposite hitter said that she is done with her studies in La Salle and she is ready to unravel a new chapter in her life.

"One big factor why I already left La Salle is because of my studies. I am almost done with undergrad, and the next step for me is to go pro," she said. Cruz also showed her wares during the PVL rookie draft combine which she said is a huge help for her since she sat on the sidelines last season. "This is a huge help for me since I did not have any appearance last season. I guess I can show my skills, and what I trained also in the past months," she said.