Playing for a fan-favorite team is something that Tia Andaya is already looking forward to.
Tia Andaya’s eyes lit up the moment she was asked about the Choco Mucho Flying Titans’ massive fanbase.
Selected by Choco Mucho at seventh overall during the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft, the Filipina-American setter is now excited to play for Ube Nation as she sets up the likes of Maddie Madayag and Kat Tolentino in her Philippine volleyball debut.
“I’ve heard! I’m definitely gonna have to adjust and it’s going to be a learning curve, but I’m excited, and it’s going to be super fun to play for a crowd [like that]!” Andaya said during the rookie draft held at the Novotel Manila.
Alongside sister team Creamline, Choco Mucho has long established its reputation as a fan-favorite team in the PVL, with their games often attracting solid crowds even on weekday games scheduled every Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Andaya, meanwhile, is still relatively unknown in the local volleyball scene, which could likely change in a few months’ time now that she’s part of a well-supported team in Choco Mucho.
Overwhelming as it will be, Andaya is taking things in stride, and is focused on playing her best volleyball with the rest of the Flying Titans.
“One step at a time, just taking things as they come. Staying grounded and focusing on volleyball is how I’ll be able to get through it [the increased attention],” she said.
For now, the Alas Pilipinas setter is just grateful to have been selected by one of the PVL’s 12 teams during Sunday’s rookie draft.
“I can breathe! I was stressing, but I’m super excited! I wasn’t sure what was going to happen tonight, but I’m super excited.”
Happy problem
Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinsunurin, meanwhile, will now be dealing with a happy problem after selecting Tia Andaya, given that she joins a setting rotation that includes mainstay Deanna Wong, fellow national team playmaker Mars Alba, and veteran Jem Ferrer.
At this point, Alinsunurin is just grateful that one of their top rookie targets somehow landed on their laps come the draft festivities at the Novotel.
“Sa ngayon importante lang samin is nakuha namin ‘yung gusto namin sa draft, and sa mga susunod pa siguro dun pa namin malalaman kung ano pa ‘yung pwede namin gawin, o sinong gagamitin,” Alinsunurin said in a separate interview.
“Ang importante lang sakin is ‘yung best na nakita namin sa top 12 ay nakuha namin.”
Banner images courtesy of Cas Aseoche and the Premier Volleyball League.