PVL ‘mom-athletes’ ace balancing act on and off the court

MOM-ATHLETES. Justine Jazareño, Chie Saet, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Dindin Santiago-Manabat and EJ Laure-Cariño are among the players in the PVL who balance motherhood and professional volleyball.

MANILA, Philippines–Motherhood comes with its own—and often endless—demands, and for professional athletes, those responsibilities extend beyond the game.

In the Premier Volleyball League, several players are also juggling motherhood with the grind of training and competition, balancing family life with the demands of professional volleyball.

On a day dedicated to mothers around the world, Inquirer Sports shines a spotlight on some of the PVL’s “mom-athletes.”

Justine Jazareño

Akari Chargers’ Justine Jazareño. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Justine Jazareño is just unlocking her full potential as one of the country’s top liberos.

The 26-year-old Jazareño made an impressive debut for Alas Pilipinas last year, emerging as the Best Libero in the SEA V.League second leg. She is also the team captain of the Akari Chargers, who have been consistent contenders in the PVL.

READ: PVL: Returning Justine Jazareño drawing inspiration from baby

And she’s doing all of that while adjusting to life as a new mother to her son, Austin.

A post shared by Justine Jazareno (@ylizyeth.justine)

“As a mother athlete, some of my biggest struggles are balancing training, competitions, and motherhood at the same time. May mga araw po talaga na I feel physically exhausted, but I still have to be fully present for Austin,” Jazareno told Inquirer.

But as tough as the balancing act may be, motherhood has also given Jazareno a new perspective that she carries both on and off the court.

“One of the biggest positives of being both a mom and a professional athlete is the strength and perspective it gives you. Motherhood teaches patience, resilience, and unconditional love. These qualities also help in sports.”

“At the same time, being an athlete allows me to show Austin the importance of discipline, hard work, and chasing dreams. I hope that by seeing my journey, my child grows up knowing that women can be strong, nurturing, and ambitious all at once.”

Chie Saet

Petro Gazz’s Chie Saet during the PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Chie Saet remains the oldest active player in the PVL, proving at 41 that age is just a number.

Her playmaking brilliance has fueled a long and decorated career. The former La Salle setter played a key role in all four of Petro Gazz Angels’ championships. She now plays for the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles.

Beyond her contributions on the court, Saet also serves as a mentor to a young core of players across her teams. At home, she carries another full-time responsibility as a mother.

In an interview with One Sports last year, Saet shared how she balances training and family life, making sure her children are prepared for their day even amid her demanding schedule.

“Hindi ko parin pwede kalimutan yung pagiging nanay. I need to check on them every day,” she said.

Aiza Maizo-Pontillas

Aiza Maizo-Pontillas during a PVL All-Filipino Conference game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

At 38, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas continues to show that experience remains a powerful asset in the PVL.

The opposite spiker, known for her smart attacks and steady presence, played a key role in Petro Gazz’s recent championship runs before moving to Galeries Tower Highrisers, where she now provides leadership to a young roster.

A post shared by Aiza Maizo-Pontillas (@numero_otso)

Outside the court, Pontillas is a dedicated mother. She often shares moments with her kid on Instagram, offering glimpses of her life balancing motherhood and a successful professional volleyball career.

Dindin Santiago-Manabat

Dindin Santiago-Manabat during a game in the PVL.-MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Dindin Santiago-Manabat continues to be a reliable option even as part of Choco Mucho’s bench rotation.

The 32-year-old NU alumna was part of the first PVL pro championship team, winning alongside her sister Jaja Santiago as they powered Chery Tiggo to a historic run in the bubble tournament in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte.

READ: Family fuels Dindin Santiago-Manabat’s desire to do best

When not contributing to the Flying Titans’ campaign in the PVL, Santiago-Manabat spends time with her “mini me” Chloe Sapphire and documents their memories—from mall trips and holiday celebrations to overseas travels—on Instagram.

A post shared by Dindin Santiago Manabat (@dindinquickersantiago)

She said her biggest motivation is becoming someone her daughter can look up to and be proud of.

“I have to be stronger because when my daughter watches my games she’ll say, ‘Oh, that’s my mom!’” said Santiago-Manabat. “In the near future, I want my daughter to be proud of me.”

EJ Laure-Cariño

Nxled Chargers’ EJ Laure during a game in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

EJ Laure-Cariño is part of Nxled’s stacked roster and serves as one of the offensive options for coach Ettore Guidetti.

The 28-year-old outside spiker starred for the University of Santo Tomas and spent most of her club career with the Chery Tiggo franchise from 2016 to 2024.

A post shared by Ennajie Cariño (@ennajielaure)

A big part of her growth, both as a player and as a person, has been her daughter, Scarlet. Off the court, Laure-Cariño has embraced motherhood with the dedication she brings to the game.