Appreciating Ivy Remulla's Being a Stateswoman in Philippine Volleyball

Not all athletes are blessed to be able to play at a high level despite being in their 40s. For most cases, athletes who are still playing in their mid-30s, are already being slowed down by Father Time but not Ivy Remulla who was among the star-studded line-up of guests Benny Benitez and Noel Zarate were able to talk to in last night's episode of Usapang PSL. And even Noel Zarate himself cannot help but praise the former De La Salle Lady Spiker for being able to remain competitive at a high level despite Remulla being at the age of 41. Zarate even referred to number seven of the Marinerang Pilipina Lady Skippers in the Philippine SuperLiga (PSL) as a stateswoman in Philippine volleyball. 

For fans of the De La Salle Lady Spikers during the time when collegiate volleyball was beginning to make noise in the UIniversity Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), they will remember Ivy Remulla as the winner of the "Best Spiker" award back in Season 62 but more importantly, Remulla, in just her second year with La Salle, was a part of the Ramil de Jesus-coached Lady Spikers squad that won the championship in Season 62 after failing to win it all in the previous season. And Remulla's success in volleyball didn't end there as Ivy Remulla's volleyball career saw her play in different leagues such as the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) where she played for Creamline Cool Smashers alongside superstar, Alyssa Valdez. Remulla even admitted in an interview that playing with younger teammates was, back then, a challenge due to the added pressure of being one of the eldest players in the team. And even though she played in a different league prior to her PVL stint, Remulla shared that she made it a point to consistently be able to play even if she was also working as a hotel training manager back then. Fortunately, her teammates in Creamline, Valdez included, appreciated Remulal for her leadership, consistency, and her experience.

Now playing for the newest team in the PSL, Ivy Remulla shared in last night's fun discussion with Zarate and Benitez that she remains grateful for the fact that her body is still allowing her to play the game she loves and that she will continue to play as long as her body is still able to. And when asked what made her stay in volleyball this long, the veteran Remulla had one explanation: she didn't abuse her body as she didn't have bad bad habits such as too much drinking of alcoholic beverages. And while the Lady Skippers have still a long way to go in the PSL, Ivy Remulla will be there to lead them when they finally make their point, not because of Remulla's numbers but more importantly, because of her leadership and consistency. As Zarate said it, Ivy Remulla is already considered a stateswoman in Philippine volleyball and that, Remulla is a living proof that age is nothing but a number. 

Screenshot is from the Facebook page of Pinoyliga.com