Alas Pilipinas bronze a result of good leadership and coaching, says Fifi Sharma

MANILA, Philippines – Fifi Sharma pointed to the team’s leadership as the main reason Alas Pilipinas ended their medal drought in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup, clinching the bronze medal with a three-set dismantling of Australia at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Wednesday.

The first-ever podium finish for the country in the AVC Challenge Cup, according to Sharma, is a result of what their leaders brought to the table — spearheaded by head coach Jorge Souza De Brito and captain Jia Morado-De Guzman.

“We have good leaders and we have a good coaching staff. Everybody is just so supportive of everything,” Sharma said. 

“That's the main reason why everyone has good spirits coming into every game. We just have a good support system,” she added.

The support system also manifested in sold out stadiums for almost every Alas Pilipinas game, with the fans celebrating their wins and stayed encouraging during the loss.

Still, there was an overwhelming sense of gratitude from Sharma and the rest of the players after doing what no other team did. Etching their names in history, Alas Pilipinas find themselves humbled by the achievement.

“Honestly, I just feel so lucky because we got the bronze medal. Kasi each and every one of us worked as a team and of course, we have a really great setter like Ate Jia. So I'm just really lucky, that's how I feel, really lucky,” she said.

Of course, Sharma isn’t looking to stop here — at least individually. With more chances for the national team at play in the future, the former La Salle standout only wants to continue her development.

“Honestly, mas tumaas pa lalo yung pangarap ko. Given it's the highest level, I want to reach more and further in my career. I'm super excited about what's to come.”

Next for the national team is the 2024 AVC Challenger Cup coming in July.