
"The Role of Daquis: A Leader Emerges Among Young Foxies
"The Role of Daquis: A Leader Emerges Among Young Foxies
The Role of Daquis: A Leader Emerges Among Young FoxiesVeteran spiker Rachel Anne Daquis has made a triumphant return to the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) after a 551-day hiatus. At 37, the experienced gunner is now taking on a mentorship role with young Farm Fresh team, marking a new chapter in her storied career.A New Era of LeadershipDaquis' decision to return to the PVL was not driven by a desire to relive past glories, but rather to pass on her wealth of knowledge and experience to the younger generation. In an interview following Farm Fresh's win over Galeries Tower, Daquis emphasized that she has nothing to prove in volleyball and is focused solely on guiding her teammates."This comeback means a great deal to me," Daquis said. "I don't have anything to chase in my career; this is for the younger players. That is my biggest contribution to them – showing them how to lead inside the court, and being a blueprint for them."A New ApproachDaquis' leadership style has evolved over the years, and she is now focused on playing smarter rather than relying solely on power. This approach has allowed her to outmaneuver her opponents and teammates alike, as she continues to develop new strategies during training sessions."My mindset is that you don't always need brute force," Daquis explained. "Before I used to love playing with power; now I love playing smarter. In our training, I am constantly outsmarting my teammates, and even them, they are wondering how I do it."A Legacy in the MakingAs a former national team player, Daquis has left an indelible mark on the sport. Her No. 3 jersey was retired by her alma mater Far Eastern University in 2016, a testament to her enduring impact on the volleyball world.Daquis' decision to join Farm Fresh in October 2024 marked a new chapter in her career, as she took on a mentorship role with a young team. Her leadership and guidance have been instrumental in helping the Foxies grow and develop their skills.ObjectivityWhile some may speculate that Daquis' return to the PVL is driven by a desire to relive past glories, her words suggest otherwise. Daquis is focused on using her experience to mentor and guide the next generation of volleyball players."What I can do to strengthen the team better, that's what matters now," she said after Farm Fresh's win over Galeries Tower.ConclusionRachel Anne Daquis' return to the PVL marks a new era in her career as a leader and mentor. Her decision to play smarter rather than relying on power has allowed her to continue developing her skills and passing on her knowledge to younger players.As she continues to lead Farm Fresh, Daquis will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the sport. Her legacy is already shaping up to be one of leadership, guidance, and mentorship – a testament to the enduring impact of a true volleyball great.Keywords: Premier Volleyball League (PVL), Rachel Anne Daquis, Farm Fresh, Foxies, leadership, mentorship, volleyball