Meet the special people who were there for PLDT High Speed Hitters Kianna Dy, Mika Reyes, and Angge Alcantara since the very beginning

The elite athletes of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) may be some of the best to ever step on the court, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t need help to stay at the top of their game.

Sports, especially at the major-league level, is a tough pursuit with all of its treacherous lows that come with the exciting highs. An athlete doesn’t get to and stay in the pros without the support of some important people in their life.

The stars of PLDT High Speed Hitters know this all too well, which is why they’re not shy to appreciate the people that they leaned on throughout the years. This is much more so as they battle it out at the ongoing PVL All-Filipino Conference – pegged to be the longest conference since the league’s inception.

For opposite spiker Kim Kianna Dy, boyfriend and international basketball star Dwight Ramos is the rock that keeps her anchored enough to succeed. Dy just recently made her on-court comeback after suffering a tough knee injury all the way back in 2023.

“I have to give him credit since he’s been there for me since day one, especially through my injury,” she says. “He’s been a constant source of support throughout my recovery, inspiring me to give my best no matter where I am in my journey. He reminds me to be patient with myself and not to be too hard with myself on my progress. Being an athlete himself, Dwight has gone through his own series of injuries, and he understands the frustration of being sidelined. He can relate to the situation I’m in.”

Rookie setter Angge Alcantara also shares the same sentiments regarding her own burgeoning professional career. “I would like to thank my family and my partner for always being there to support me on and off the court,” says Alcantara, who has been orchestrating the team’s offense as veteran setter Kim Fajardo takes a step back. “I would also like to thank Coach Russelle Galang for guiding and supporting me ever since nag-start ako mag-volleyball until now.”

Speaking of family, close loved ones also play an important role in supporting star player Mika Reyes. “My parents, siblings and relatives, my teammates, and the fans are my biggest motivation,” the 2022 PVL Invitational Conference best middle blocker says. “Every game, I play not just for myself but for them.”

Throughout the many different inspirations all three players have in their lives, they also share one consistent source of support and strength: the fans of the High Speed Hitters.

“The fans play a big role in helping boost the team’s morale,” says Dy. “Seeing them support us through ups and downs helps uplift the team’s spirit. Seeing them cheer, whether it’s live from the venue or from their homes, reminds us that we’re not only playing for ourselves but also for everyone who believes in us.”

“Besides my team, I also get my strength from the fans, they are always there for us, so I don’t want to fail them,” adds Alcantara. “I am so happy they welcomed me to be part of the PLDT family.”

“Their support means everything,” shares Reyes. “Knowing they believe in us keeps us pushing forward, especially during tough times. Seeing them cheer, whether in the stands or online, gives us that extra boost.”

Finishing the PVL elimination round with 8 wins and 3 losses after a sweep of the Zus Coffee Thunderbelles last February 22, the PLDT High Speed Hitters shot up to top four in the standings. The Rald Ricafort-coached team, which has previously downed the powerhouse team Creamline Cool Smashers in an exciting five-setter, now heads to the qualifiers with much more confidence.

Armed with an impressive record and boosted by love from their supporters, PLDT now looks to make it even further and hopefully win its first PVL title.

“We just remind each other that this is a journey we are all going through together and no one is alone. ‘Pusong PLDT’ for us is giving our all during training and games and never stopping till we reach our goal. When things get hard, we remind ourselves why we’re doing this and it’s because of love and the puso we have for the team and the game,” says Dy.

“That love drives us to push through all the hard days.”

Continuously support Kim Kianna Dy, Mika Reyes, Angge Alcantara, and the rest of the PLDT High Speed Hitters as they battle it out at the ongoing PVL All-Filipino Conference – Qualifying Round. For more updates, follow the team on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

Photo credits:
Premier Volleyball League (sports)
Dy, Reyes, & Alcantara on Instagram (off-court)