Oly Okaro had already eyed the Philippines long before she debuted for Akari in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference, all thanks to some familiar faces for the OG fans here.
One of five new PVL imports, Akari’s Olouma “Oly” Okaro finally stepped onto the Philippine volleyball taraflex on Thursday in impressive fashion: dropping 16 points in the Chargers’ win against the young but gritty Capital1 Solar Spikers in the Reinforced Conference.
Unbeknownst to many, though, Oly has long been excited to play here in the Philippines, even before the partnership with Akari was sealed.
Oly is acquaintances with at least two former Philippine volleyball imports, the first being none other than Lindsey Vander Weide, who was Petro Gazz’s Reinforced Conference import in their 2022 championship run.
Two former rivals in the US-NCAA, Oly and Vander Weide shared the same agent at some point, which allowed the pair to talk about Philippine volleyball. Through the Petro Gazz alumni, Oly discovered the “amazing culture” of the Philippines, alongside the welcoming players, and the ever-passionate fans.
Vander Weide shared that being in Manila “was also really nice.”
“So when I heard these, I’m thinking, oh, well I want to go play there, you know? So it sounded a little bit different, something that I hadn’t experienced before. Especially with the fans being so, so passionate about volleyball! So yeah, I got more excited to come here,” Oly enthusiastically told The GAME in an exclusive interview on Thursday.
Apart from Vander Weide, there’s also Katarina Pilepić, the Croatian spiker who reinforced the Generika Ayala Lifesavers in the Pilipinas Superliga. Pilepić is actually one of Oly’s best friends, having met as varsity players for San Francisco University.
Understandably, Pilepić had a “greater impact” on Oly Okaro’s excitement toward the Philippines due to their deep friendship. Like Vander Weide, the Pilepić heaped praises toward the passionate Filipino fanbase.
“She was like, be prepared, they’re going to ask you for like, you know, autographs and photos. And that alone just shows people who are very into something, you know, into a sport, let’s say, when you have a lot of fans,” Oly said of her best friend’s advice.
The Croatian praised the positive demeanor of the players. Citing Pilepić, Oly added: “She was like, it doesn’t matter if you’re like, let’s say losing. They’re not going to like stomp around on the court being so angry.
“They’re going to still be smiling and still be excited for the next play, you know. So I think that mindset also just got me a little bit more excited to come here.”
So while a first-timer, Oly Okaro never exactly came here blind. As she puts it, hearing all these pieces of advice is comparable to watching a movie.
“You kind of see things in the movie, but you don’t experience it yet. So even though I’ve heard about these things, I don’t really know what to expect, so I’m just walking in like, let’s see what happens. And then when I came, I was like, wow, I was really amazed!” said the former Arizona Sun Devil.
By the time this story is released, Oly Okaro will only be in her second week in the Philippines. Yet early on, she’s more than fallen in love with the Filipino people.
Still in her ever-enthusiastic tone, Oly said that Filipinos are “extremely welcoming [and] extremely kind”, something she’s witnessed through her Akari sisters.
“They’ve [Akari] welcomed me with open arms, and they treat me as if we grew up together. Do you know what I’m saying? Like they include me in everything. They’re so inviting, you know, they’re just so easy to be around,” she said.
Now, on top of playing with Akari, Oly Okaro also wants to use her stay to discover the Philippines more. Admittedly a wanderlust, she now hopes to see the country’s “different landscapes” and “different sights” on top of further immersing herself in Filipino culture.
“Whenever I travel, I like to stay for a little bit. A little bit longer than average,” she said. “Just so I can truly immerse because you can’t really dive into the culture so quickly if you’re traveling for a week or two and then you’re out.
“So I’m really excited for this experience [playing for the Philippines]. So that I can learn more about the Filipino culture. And see more of those Filipino sights.”
‘One day at a time’
As for her debut, Oly Okaro admits it was her first time playing in front of a “very enthusiastic and energetic crowd.” While it was exciting, she also knows the need to refine her connection with Akari’s setters as the conference goes on.
Like most imports, Oly also got an impression of the Philippine volleyball style. Compared to European, or even American players, Filipinas are “a little bit shorter” according to the Akari reinforcement.
While Filipinas hit just as hard as them, they’re “a little bit more crafty” due to their lack of athletic gifts, she said.
“So definitely, it’s something different. But it’s something nice to be able to play against. Just to have these different types of strategies. My focus was just making sure that I timed the blocking, for instance. Because I’m not used to having a player that’s a little bit smaller,” Oly admitted to reporters post-game.
Now through with her debut, Oly Okaro vows to bring leadership to Akari, alongside her overseas experience, and overall love for the game moving forward.
“I’m a very passionate player. And I’m very determined. And I’m also very competitive. So I also want…obviously the goal is…first would be to take the team to top four. So we can make the semifinals. And then just go from there,” she said.
“The plan is to take it one day at a time. One game at a time. And then just keep seeing what we can work on after each game. So we can reach those goals.”
Banner Image courtesy of the Premier Volleyball League. Special thanks to Noel Zarate.
Related Stories:
After Betting On Herself, Judith Abil Begins Her Next Chapter For Cignal With A Twist
Ring It In: Khat Bell Is Officially Back For More In The Philippines
Last-Minute Blessings: Meegan Hart, Sutadta Jarawat Impress Amid Short Notice PVL Call-Ups