The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) is hoping to get the full commitment of Filipino-foreign players Brooke Van Sickle, Savi Davison and MJ Phillips to start processing their federation transfer to be able to suit up for Alas Pilipinas.
Although the three have earlier expressed their interest in joining Alas, the PNVF has yet to receive any formal word from the trio of their plans to switch federations.
Reigning Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference Most Valuable Player Van Sickle and Petro Gazz teammate Philipps are still registered under the USA Volleyball Association while Davison is affiliated with Canada’s volleyball body.
“We asked them both (Van Sickle and Davison) if they wanted to join the national team, then they should give their commitment,” PNVF vice president Ricky Palou told DAILY TRIBUNE in a phone interview on Wednesday.
“They can’t just say yes and change their minds because we still have to work on their change of federations.”
The official said the three players have completed the residency requirements but still need to change federations to beef up Alas.
“Hopefully, before the end of the week, we’ll hear from them,” said Palou, also the PVL president.
Among the three, Palou said that Phillips has actually committed verbally.
“We’re also talking with her. But the problem with MJ, right we have too many middles. MJ the last time we talked really wanted to join and is willing to play for the national team. MJ is committed but the other two we’re waiting for them,” he shared.
Van Sickle, in a separate interview, said she’s ready to go through the transfer process.
“I’ve been in conversations with the federation and everything. We are working on switching federations, hopefully, fingers crossed. I think it’s very exciting. If I get the opportunity, I’ll be super grateful and give my one hundred percent,” she said.
“It depends on if they want to go that route and if they do want me to join them.”
Once the PNVF receives a positive response from the three, the federation will immediately start the transfer.
“We can process that in a month’s time. Hopefully, we can hear from them by the end of the week so we can start working on their papers,” he said.
“If they want to play with the national team we’ll work in their change of federation for them to be allowed to play for the Philippine team.”
“But if they are not fully committed, why should we work on their papers, right? That’s what we’re waiting for. If they are fully committed, then we’ll start working on their papers.”
The trio will be a great addition to the Brazilian Jorge Souza De Brito-mentored squad as Alas shoots to end a 20-year podium drought in the Southeast Asian Games slated in December in Thailand.
Alas is coming off a successful 2024 campaign where it won a breakthrough bronze medal in the AVC Challenge Cup and the two legs of the SEA V. League.
Bannered by skipper Jia de Guzman, Dawn Macandili-Catindig, Angel Canino, Alyssa Solomon, Bella Belen, Sisi Rondina, Eya Laure, Jema Galanza, Fifi Sharma and Thea Gagate expectations are high for Alas this year.