‘Fully recovered’ Leila Cruz gets chance at comeback

MANILA, Philippines — After recovering from an ACL injury, Leila Cruz is determined to continue her volleyball journey in the pros through the inaugural PVL Rookie Draft on July 8 at Novotel.

Cruz, who injured her ACL last year when La Salle ruled the UAAP Season 85, decided to throw her name in the draft after bidding farewell to La Salle since she’s almost done with her undergrad studies and ready to open a new chapter in her volleyball career, which was stopped for a year.

“My recovery progress was very slow but it was okay. That’s why I wasn’t able to play last season. But now, I’m fully recovered [since February],” Cruz told reporters in Filipino on Tuesday at the Draft Combine at GameVille Ball Park.

READ: Thea Gagate to be picked No. 1 by ZUS Coffee in PVL Rookie Draft

Leila Cruz on her comeback from an ACL injury and entry to the #PVLDraft2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/rPc4CbbXX8

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) June 25, 2024

“One big factor I left La Salle is because I’m almost done with my undergrad. I think it’s time to take the next step, which is turning pro.”

The La Salle starting opposite spiker, who sat out this year, said the Lady Spikers including coach Ramil De Jesus accepted her decision like Thea Gagate, Julia Coronel, and Maicah Larroza.

“It was super okay for them because the first thing I did was to talk properly to my coaches and teammates. Our relationship is super ok,” she said.

Cruz is grateful to have the combine for giving her a chance to prove herself, especially in the scrimmage on Wednesday, since she has not seen action for more than a year.

READ: La Salle’s Leila Cruz suffers right knee ACL injury

“I didn’t have any appearance last season. I guess it’s my chance tomorrow to show my skills and training for the past few months,” she said.

Cruz said a team has expressed its interest in her but didn’t name the squad.

Regardless of the team that will choose her on draft day, Cruz is ready to play her heart out.

“What I can offer is my willingness, especially since I’m just coming back from an injury. I know that I still have to learn so I will show my willingness to learn and to be a better player so I can help my team,” she said.