Tia Andaya talks to reporters during Day 1 of the PVL Draft Combine, May 30, 2025 at the Paco Arena. PVL Media Bureau

MANILA – Tia Andaya, a 24-year-old setter who has played in different countries, has thrown her hat into the PVL ring, joining the league's 2025 Rookie Draft.

This Fil-American player is looking for a fresh start in the Philippines and has expressed a desire to continue her training with Alas Pilipinas Women in what she called a "super cool opportunity."

Her name was included in Philippine National Volleyball Federation's "wishlist" for the national team and she has since joined practices with them.

"I think this is a really new experience for me. I’m super excited to see what it’s all about, but from playing with the national team and girls that I’ve met here, the level is super good. I’m excited to see what the Philippines has to offer," Andaya told reporters during Day 1 of the PVL Draft Combine on Friday at the Paco Arena.

"Going to the national team, I think it was just a super cool opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. Playing in the highest in any country is an honor, so when I got the call, I had to answer," she added.

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"And then just spending more time in the Philippines, learning more about this country, and exploring it. Also, playing with these groups of girls is a really cool opportunity."

Immediately after Alas Women's training concluded on Friday, Andaya rushed to the Manila venue to attend the Combine.

She has played in two US NCAA schools — Gonzaga University and Central Washington University — before competing in Romania and Albania.

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"I think everywhere in the world has a different style of volleyball, and so I think that’s what gives me a little bit of an edge because I have a lot of different perspectives to bring and show," said Andaya, acknowledging that her rich experience gives her somehow an edge over her fellow PVL aspirants.

Playing the same position as Alas Pilipinas captain Jia de Guzman, Andaya said she has "learned a lot" from the decorated setter.

"I’ve learned a lot. She also has a lot of experience from other countries—she played in Japan. I think she has a unique perspective that she shared with me. She’s also helped with the transition, coming into the Philippines because it’s different, so she’s made the transition very easy for me."

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