Tough mind key to Eya’s successful PVL comeback as a Flying Titan
More than 600 days out of PVL action and Eya Laure didn’t show signs of missing a beat. And it was a solid mindset that helped her through it all.
The 26-year-old returned to the league on Saturday as a member of Choco Mucho and helped the Flying Titans dispose of Akari in straight sets, 25-17, 25-23, 25-20, as the centerpiece All-Filipino Conference got off in earnest at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
It marked the start of the next chapter of Laure’s professional career, which got off on the right foot despite all the negativities surrounding her grounding starting in October 2024, when she left Cherry Tiggo.
“I’m really blessed and grateful for the people who pushed me to keep fighting, especially mentally, through those tough situations I was able to overcome,” Laure said in Filipino after scattering 11 points in the win. “And that’s why I’m here today in front of you.”
The right people
During her hiatus, the charismatic outside spiker made sure to surround herself with people with genuine love for her, while refusing to talk about the circumstances surrounding her decision to leave.
“The most important thing for me are the people around me,” she said. “Second, I really don’t spend much time on social media. I only use it when I’m posting something, but I don’t read the comments because they don’t really help my mental health.
“You just take in the things you can handle—things that will help you grow and improve,” Laure explained. “You have to know what works for you, especially during moments when you feel low or unsure who you can trust.”
The former University of Santo Tomas ace in the UAAP was able to stay in decent shape despite the long layoff, thanks to her consistent training with Alas Pilipinas.
Laure was also grateful for her alma mater, which allowed her to train with the Tigresses during her hiatus, and she had a chance to work out with PVL guest team Kurashiki Ablaze when she was in Japan.
“With the national team, they trained me for a long time until I was able to keep up. They were extremely patient with me and helped rebuild my confidence,” said Laure.
Being part of the national team was a huge factor, because they trained me solo for hours each day,” she went on. “If they hadn’t been patient with me back then, I think it would’ve been much harder for me to build my confidence now.”
Laure was relieved to finally return to the PVL, this time, wearing the well-loved purple jersey of Choco Mucho.
She missed the crowd and the action, which is now more competitive and intense than when she last played.
Laure is just grateful to have a very patient coach in Dante Alinsunurin and teammates who are just waiting for her to click with her new team.
And once everything falls in place, Laure believes Choco Mucho has what it takes to win it all.
“I truly believe that once I fully understand (the system) and everyone starts to jell, we can build something special and compete for the title.”
