MANILA – After playing alongside Philippine Superliga players in All-Star match in Silay City recently, Negrense setter Cassie Carballo realized another dream of hers – play for De La Salle-Zobel Junior Spikers in the UAAP juniors volleyball.
The Silay City-native Carballo said her impending transfer from Living Stones International School was a dream come true as, just like other volleyball players in the province, she aspires to strut her wares in the Big City.
“It’s a dream come true for me to be able to play in a Manila-based school,” Carballo told Panay News. “I know this will be not be a walk in a park so I still have to work hard here.”
The incoming Grade 9 student has caught the eye of Junior Spikers head coach Christina Salak during the Manila-Negros Invitational held earlier this year at St. John Institute.
“I was surprised that Coach T approached me during the invitational saying that she is interested in me,” Carballo said. “I went (at De La Salle-Zobel) last month for training and I am happy that she has selected me as one of her new players.”
“Of course there will be a lot of adjustments for me since Manila is a different level,” she added. “I will just use all what I have learned here in Living Stones and coach Michael (Larroza) in my journey there.”
Larroza, for his part, said that at first he was thinking twice of letting go of Carballo as she was a vital cog of Living Stones’ team but change his mind later on due to the rare opportunity offered on her prized center.
“Cassie is a big loss to us but I know that moving to La Salle Zobel will be good for her career,” Larroza said. “I think it is a hard offer to pass up. I just wish her success there in La Salle Zobel.”
With her move to Junior Spikers, Carballo will be joining her fellow Negrense Angel Anne Canino, Rachelle Malabanan, Gabrielle Trillo Webb and another transferee in Alleiah Jan Malaluan./PN
