THE NATIONAL POOL FOR THE PHILIPPINE WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL TEAM

Below are the players included in the national pool for the Philippine women's volleyball team :

1. Leslie Ann Pantone
2. Angelique Dionela
3. Ma. Angeli Tabaquero
4. Rachel Ann Daquis
5. Janine Nicole Marciano
6. Lawrence Ann Latigay
7. Honey Rose Tubino
8. Michelle Laborte
9. Mary Jane Balse
10. Lutgarda Malaluan
11. Janette Panaga
12. Jovelyn Gonzaga
13. Ariane Argarin
14. Rapril Aguilar
15. Michelle Datuin
16. Ma. Abigail Praca
17. Lilet Mabbayad
18. Angela Benting
19. Janine Navarro
20. Rhea Dimaculangan
21. Rubie de Leon
22. Myka Ortiz
23. Suzanne Roces
24. Shirley Salamagos
25. Christine Joy Rosario
26. Aleone Santiago
27. Alyja Santiago
28. Abigail Marano
29. Alyza Valdez
30. Kimberly Fajardo
31. Myka Ortiz

What is very interesting is that the players from numbers 20-31 did not bother to tryout. The coaches of the team included these players nonetheless in the event that they are suddenly agree to play for the country.

I have always been very vocal against players who just don't care about playing for the country. As the list reveals, these players are the same ones who turned down the offer to play for the national team before.

What is shocking is that the coaches and team handlers continue to beg for these players to join the national team. If the team is going to be made up of those who do not even  bother to attend the try-outs, what does that say about the commitment of these players ? And how will those players who tried out feel ?

I think it is best just to keep those who tried out and continue to pour in time and effort for the team. While the team may lack in several things without the popular players, the committed players can be trained together to somehow become competitive. The coaches and handlers of the team will do well to value commitment and willingness to serve the country among their players.