Leila Cruz Has Found Home in Capital1 Solar Spikers

Photo: Chinyere Cabas

Former DLSU Lady Spiker, Leila Cruz, has found her home with the Capital1 Solar Spikers.

“Siguro my adjustment will be yung system ni Coach Roger kasi its very different din from my previous school. Yung defense din kasi here with Capital1 is very different din kaya I think yun yung inaadjust ko and then my offense also,” said Cruz.

The 24-year-old Opposite Hitter was the second top draft pick during the PVL Rookie Draft last July 8.

“My team they’re very supportive of me, as in kapag hindi ko makuha yung certain things na I need to execute, they’re very motivating pa din.”

The 6-foot-1 athlete credits their team captain Jorelle Singh for helping her adjust into the team.

“Siguro si ate Jorelle, yung captain namin, she’s very motivating. Binibigyan nya kami lagi ng words of affirmation kapag hindi kami nakakadeliver.”

The Solar Spikers has been welcoming to the rookies which helped them settle in better with the team.

“Unti-unti, nakaka adjust naman kaming mga rookies with their system and yung bond namin with them ay unit–unti na rin nabi-build.”

Work-life balance is something that keeps the rookie going. She notes that her go-to food is either Japanese or Korean dishes.

“On my off days, I watch movies, I eat, and sometimes hang out with my friends din para mawala lang yung thoughts ko na negative or para marelax yung mind ko.”

Coming from her ACL injury, she aims to bounce back and help her team reach their goal. She believes she has much to improve to help her team climb to the top.

“My goal is makareach kami hopefully kahit semis pero pag nakapunta na kami doon, super unti-unti lang, one step at a time. Our goal now is to win our games sa next round para maka step kami sa quarters. “

Like any young athlete, she made it her goal to play professionally.

“I wanted to play professionally para ma-improve ko yung skills ko sa sports na ito.”

Leila has finally landed her dream.