Justine Jazareno is now working her way back into peak form for the Akari Chargers after giving birth to a healthy baby boy.
Justine Jazareno has finally returned to the Akari Chargers for the first time since beginning her journey as a mother to a healthy baby boy.
The 24-year-old libero split floor defense duties with Max Juangco over the weekend, finishing with a modest 10 excellent digs in Akari’s 22-25, 16-25, 15-25 loss to the PLDT High Speed Hitters at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Jazareno is still working her way back into shape given her lengthy stay on the sidelines to prepare for the birth of her son last August. Still, it’s a welcome development for Akari, with the former DLSU standout expected to boost their floor defense greatly once she regains her form.
“Syempre overwhelming siya kasi ang tagal ko ring nawala, almost one year din and then syempre naninibago ulit ako. But on the process,” Jazareno reflected.
“Siguro knowing na atleta kami, I really have to be disciplined sa pagkain and tulog and sa workout talaga. Talagang pinaghihirapan ko talaga para makabalik ako sa game ulit,” added Jazareno, who kept an active lifestyle during her pregnancy journey.
Justine Jazareno last played for Akari during the 2023 PVL Second All-Filipino Conference, before sitting out the entire 2024 PVL season to undergo a maternity leave. And for Jazareno, time management will be key as this new chapter in her life and volleyball career continues to unfold.
Apart from being a mother and volleyball player, Jazareno is also completing her undergraduate studies in DLSU as she takes up a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education course.
“Time management, sa morning hanggang afternoon parang training kami and then I spend time with my baby rin naman after. Also nagtthesis din ako pero ayun, I have to manage my time talaga,” said Jazareno, who played for DLSU in Seasons 84 and 85 before turning pro with Akari.
Juggling these responsibilities won’t be a cakewalk for Justine Jazareno given the demands of each commitment. But if her return to competitive play is any indicator, then it won’t come as a surprise for the 24-year-old to perform a successful balancing act.
And if the days do get rough, she’ll have a warm bundle of joy waiting for her at home, one that will be her biggest inspiration to power through in a new, but challenging phase of her life.
“More on mas nadagdagan siya ng inspiration [with her newborn son and family], parang pag after ng training uuwi ka feeling mo pagod ka, pero pag uwi mo hindi ka na pagod [upon seeing her son], ‘yun ‘yung naging additional [inspiration] sakin,” she said.
Banner image courtesy of the Premier Volleyball League.