Anyse ‘Marlee’ Smith is ready to step up for fan favorite Choco Mucho in the PVL Reinforced Conference starting Tuesday at Ynares Center Montalban.
From having a dazzling stint with Thai club Nakhon Ratchasima in the AVC Champions League hosted by the Philippines last May, Smith looks forward to taking her talent with the Flying Titans.
‘I’m just here to do my job, show my support, be a good team player, and be a leader. I want to win,’ said the American opposite hitter.
‘You will see a very compassionate, very committed Marlee this time around. I feel like I did a big one, the first time, but I want to leave with an even bigger impact this time.’
Smith, who played for North Texas University, also relished the welcoming team of coach Dante Alinsunurin and their fan base. ‘The transition has been fairly easy because my teammates are very welcoming. I felt very supported since I got here. I actually really, really love my team,’ she said. ‘I love the supporters here. I feel like the fans definitely give us a run for our money. They’re there to support us. They’re there when we’re down, and they’re there when we need them. So I just want to say we appreciate all of you.’
Smith will be leading the Flying Titans, who last reached the PVL final in the 2024 All-Filipino Conference and reached the semifinal in the previous one.
Maddie Madayag and Kat Tolentino are returning to boost the Flying Titans, who will still miss Sisi Rondina due to her commitment to Alas Pilipinas.
Meanwhile, Akari, the runner-up of last year’s Reinforced, will field Annie Mitchem as its import.
The 31-year-old American outside hitter is bringing her experience from Jakarta Livin Mandiri in Indonesia, Italy, Turkey, and Brazil following her collegiate career at the University of Hawaii.
Capital1 parades Ukrainian Oleksandra Bytsenko, a 29-year-old outside spiker.