MANILA, Philippines — For her strong influence to the youth and deep love of the sport, Abby Marano was the top choice of the Philippine Superliga as its newest league ambassador.
Marano, the star middle blocker of F2 Logistics, was appointed to become the face of the league starting with the Chooks to Go-PSL Grand Prix, which erupts tomorrow at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.
The import-laden conference opens with a pair of matches pitting Generika-Ayala versus powerhouse Petron and Cignal vs two-time champion Foton in the main encounter.
Both matches will be shown live on ESPN5, the league’s official broadcast partner.
PSL president Ramon “Tats” Suzara lauded Marano’s selection, saying that she may be a direct opposite of previous league ambassadors like Gretchen Ho, Cha Cruz and Mika Reyes, but her growing base of fans and love for volleyball made her a perfect fit for the role.
“Unlike Gretchen, Cha and Mika, Abby is very vocal and outspoken,” said Suzara, a ranking executive of the Asian Volleyball Confederation and member of the International Volleyball Federation.
“Her influence, especially to the youth, is enormous and she had repeatedly displayed her love for the sport and loyalty to the league. That’s why we decided to formally tap her as the PSL ambassador for this year.”
Marano is also a member of the national women’s team that campaigned in the recent AVC Asian Senior Women’s Championship.
“I really have a vocal personality and I’m not afraid to speak my mind for as long as I am right,” Marano said. “If the PSL image is at stake, no doubt, I will stand up and defend the league.”
“I want to thank Mr. Suzara, Mr. (PSL chairman Philip Ella) Juico and the entire PSL organization for trusting me to be their ambassador. This is another step for me to influence the youth and aspiring athletes to play their best and chase their dreams.”
Marano and the Cargo Movers will open their campaign against Petron on Nov. 4 when the league rolls to the University of St. La Salle gym in Bacolod.