Since coming to the Philippines a year ago, Filipino-Canadian Rachel Jorvina has fitted just right in with Akari.
After graduating from MacEwan University in Alberta, Canda, Jorvina wanted to pursue playing volleyball professionally. With the help and added push from her mom, she found her way to the Akari Chargers.
“The biggest help to me getting to the PVL was my mom. She was the one who introduced me and really encouraged me to try the Philippine volleyball scene. She’s my greatest supporter!” Jorvina said.
Following her arrival to the country, it wasn’t the smoothest ride for the persistent libero. She knew it would not be a cakewalk as she was new to everything Philippines. Still, she was ready.
“Coming up on one year since I’ve gotten here I think I can say I’ve been able to adjust to Philippines life pretty well! It would be a lie to say that it was a seamless transition, but just like all new phases of life, I knew coming here and jumping headfirst into a new country and athletic environment would come with its challenges,” Jorvina said.
And during the highs and the lows, all she had was gratitude for his family, friends, and teammates who never left her side.
“But I’ve been able to gain my footing here as an athlete and everyday citizen so thanks to my family’s support. I have also found a solid community here through friends, extended family, and the team who have really helped me through the rocky moments. I really am so appreciative of everyone’s unconditional support,” she added.
Now that she has already adapted to the country’s environment and style of play, the defensive specialist only has one thing in mind – to do whatever it takes to win. With her contagious energy, she wants to be the pillar to the success of of the team.
“The goal at the end of the day has always been to help my team in any way that I can to win. I hope that I can bring a supportive and gritty energy to our play as we battle each game. My mindset coming into this Invitational Conference is more focused on supporting my teammates, especially as we continue to find our rhythm as a group,” the Fil-Canadian Libero said.
The bond outside the taraflex is never a problem for the Chargers, according to Jorvina. However, as great as the team is, she noted that they still need to work on their on-court communication. Good news, the ladies in black and pink are all in.
“The team is full of strong, talented women and the chemistry off the court is great, it is the on-court chemistry that is always being tested and is definitely our focal point for growth this conference. We are all invested in coming together to figure out our goals as a whole, and I think that is what will help us move forward as individuals but most importantly as a team,” she vowed.
Jorvina knows that Akari has the tools to go toe-to-toe with the league’s best, but she’s asking for more patience from fans as they are still in the process of integrating UAAP Season 84 2nd Best Outside Hitter Faith Nisperos and UAAP Season 85 Women’s Volleyball Champion Fifi Sharma (will not play in the Invitational Conference) to the team.
“There is so much more that our team has yet to show to the league and its supporters. And significant change doesn’t happen overnight, but I think moving forward, and with the arrival of new players, you can expect the Chargers to continue to make significant steps of growth as each old and new member has something to bring to the table,” she marveled.
Catch the Akari Chargers in the 2023 PVL Invitational Conference! Follow the Akari Chargers and Akari Sports in all social media pages for updates.
