MANILA, Philippines — As the nation celebrated Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 10, 2026, the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) turned the spotlight on its roster of “Volley-Moms.” In a heartfelt feature, veteran athletes shared how they navigate the grueling demands of professional sports while fulfilling the equally intense responsibilities of motherhood.
From the 10-time champion Aby Maraño to seasoned veterans like Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, these athletes are proving that the “mom” title is not a career endgame, but a source of renewed strength and perspective.
For many of these athletes, returning to the court after childbirth was once seen as a rare feat. Today, it has become a testament to their physical and mental resilience.
- Aiza Maizo-Pontillas (Petro Gazz): Often called the “Nanay” of the league, the veteran opposite spiker has maintained an elite level of play for nearly two decades. She credits her son for her longevity, noting that playing for her family provides a different kind of motivation than playing for personal glory.
- Aby Maraño (Chery Tiggo): While known for her “Beast Mode” energy on the court, Maraño highlighted the shift in her priorities. She spoke about the discipline required to manage 6:00 AM training sessions while ensuring her household needs are met, proving that “multitasking is a mother’s superpower.”
The report identified the specific hurdles these athletes face in the modern era of professional volleyball:
- Physical Recovery: Balancing the intensive recovery needed for high-impact sports with the physical toll of raising young children.
- Guilt and Presence: Managing “mom guilt” during long out-of-town games or late-night practices. Many players shared that they rely heavily on video calls to stay connected with their children during the conference.
- The Support System: Most Volley-Moms emphasized that their careers would be impossible without a strong “village”—supportive partners, parents, and nannies who hold down the fort while they are at the arena.
“It’s not just about the points anymore. I want my child to see that being a mother doesn’t mean you have to stop chasing your dreams. You can be a nurturer and a competitor at the same time.” — PVL Athlete
“The discipline I learned from motherhood actually made me a better teammate. You become more patient, more observant, and more resilient.”
The PVL has seen a growing number of mothers among its ranks, leading to calls for better institutional support, such as childcare facilities during training and family-friendly travel policies. As the league continues to professionalize, the presence of these “supermoms” serves as an inspiration to the next generation of female athletes in the Philippines.
This Mother’s Day, the message from the PVL is clear: The most valuable players are often the ones balancing a jersey in one hand and a diaper bag in the other.