Gyra Barroga leaves La Salle, joins Cocolife in PSL

MANILA, Philippines – After two forgettable seasons with De La Salle University, Gyra Barroga will suit up for Cocolife in the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Invitational Conference starting this Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Her father, Cignal coach Edgar Barroga, broke the news, saying that Gyra decided to part ways with the Lady Spikers to kick off her dream of playing in the most prestigious women’s club league in the country.

Barroga said it was a family decision and La Salle head coach Ramil de Jesus, who is his longtime friend, fully understands their situation.

“We feel that Gyra’s development as a volleyball player will be accelerated if we put her in the PSL,” said Barroga, who spent most of his tender years playing with de Jesus for the Philippine men’s national team.

“We want to thank La Salle, especially coach Ramil, for taking good care of Gyra. We will forever be grateful as Gyra enters the next chapter of her volleyball career.”

At Cocolife, Gyra’s career will be revived.

Team official Joshua Ylaya said Serbian coach Moro Branislav is greatly intrigued with the talent of Gyra, believing that she has what it takes to excel in the PSL.

Ylaya, also a former La Salle stalwart, said Gyra already reported for training and felt at home right away as she would be reunited with former Lady Spikers Justine Tiu and Alex Tan as well as Shannen Palec, who used to be her teammate at University of Santo Tomas.

“Coach Moro loves her because she’s a prototype opposite just like Jaja (Santiago) and Kianna (Dy),” said Ylaya, adding that the club gave her a scholarship as part of her two-year contract.

“We’re excited to have her, especially now that our lineup is filled with young and developing players. Under coach Moro’s system, we’re optimistic that she will blossom into a very good player.”

Barroga agreed.

“One of the reasons why we picked Cocolife is because of coach Moro,” he said.

“He is a very good mentor who never gets tired of teaching young players. Having him as coach is a welcome development for Gyra’s volleyball career.”