Position-less Fernandez looking for ways to thrive with Highrisers
Positions in volleyball designate roles and responsibilities for players every time they step onto the court.
Certain players, however, jump from one position to another.
Galeries Tower Highrisers player Carlota “Carly” Hernandez has embraced her shifting positions in the team for the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference.
“Sometimes, I am made into a service specialist, a spiker, and a libero. My training is not limited to one position. It depends on what the team needs,” Hernandez said in an interview with the Inquirer after the Highrisers were defeated by the Farm Fresh Foxies in a five-set thriller on Tuesday at the PhilSports Arena.
Hernandez did not see action in the match but showed up for the game donning a libero uniform, similar to her role in the team for last July 20’s game against the PLDT High Speed Hitters.
Hernandez is not new to playing different positions. While originally an outside hitter, she has also played as a libero in some of her past clubs in the professional league.
“It is difficult to adjust. If you think about it, you will find it hard to prioritize what your mindset will be. However, I am slowly adapting,” the former Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraw said.
“I don’t just practice for one position during drills. I join all of them so that whatever position the coaches assign to me, I am ready,” Hernandez said, adding that she participates in spiking, defense and serving drills.
However, the 25-year-old player emphasized the importance of defense in her career. She said that it is a constant skill in whatever position that she is playing in.
“Even when I was playing as a spiker, defense [skills] was always there,” Hernandez said.
Aside from physical adjustments, Hernandez also said she had to adjust mentally to her varying positions.
“I already embraced it and I think that’s where I started getting ready for whatever position the coach wanted me to play in,” she added. INQ
