Caera Celis’ U17 World Championship debut to remember

Caera Celis grew up in a country where volleyball players are celebrated by passionate fans, but at 16, the outside hitter from the Philippines is experiencing something few athletes back home ever have, competing at a World Championship, delivering standout performances and winning over a new crowd thousands of miles from home.

Celis and her teammates are already part of Philippine volleyball history as the first team from the country to compete at the Girls’ U17 World Championship, opening a new chapter in Philippine volleyball.

“It means so much to me because being part of the first Philippine Girls’ U17 team in the World Championship is something I’ll always be proud of,” Celis said. “It’s a big opportunity for us to represent our country, and I’m just really grateful to be part of this team and make history with my teammates.”

The 1.67-meter outside hitter from Bacolod City has emerged as one of the Philippines’ leading offensive threats in Chile. She matched her tournament-high with 24 points against Venezuela, including 22 kills and two aces, before leading the Philippines with 14 points on 12 attacks, one block and one ace in their Round of 16 match against South Korea.

Through six matches, Celis has scored 96 points from attack to rank third among the tournament’s best spikers, averaging 16.00 attack points per match with a 41.20 percent success rate.

The numbers have put Celis among the competition’s most productive attackers, while facing the world’s best young players has given her a clearer sense of what the game demands at this level.

“What surprised me the most is how fast and competitive the players are,” Celis said. “Everyone here is really good, and playing against them made me realize that there’s still so much I can improve on. I learned that I have to trust myself more, stay confident, ask for more improvements and keep learning from every game.”

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Playing thousands of miles from home has also been a different experience. Celis is accustomed to the passionate Philippine crowd, but in Chile, her performances have given a new audience a chance to discover one of the young players coming through the country’s volleyball ranks.

Celis is learning to embrace that unfamiliar environment while managing the pressure that comes with it.

“When the pressure gets high, I just try to stay focused on the game and not let the situation get to me, especially the crowd,” she said. “I take a few deep breaths to calm myself down, remind myself to trust my teammates and focus on what I can do in that moment. I just keep fighting for every point and give my best until the very end.”

Back home in Bacolod City, Celis plays for the St. John’s Institute-Hua Ming Falcons, where she has developed into one of the country’s promising young outside hitters.

Her family has been a constant source of support.

“My biggest inspiration is my family and the people who have always supported me in volleyball, especially when things get hard,” Celis said. “They’ve taught me to always stay humble, work hard and never forget how much I love the game. Every time I step on the court, I carry their support and words with me and try to give my very best.”

There will be plenty of volleyball ahead for Celis, but there will never be another first World Championship.

With her first World Championship nearing its end, Celis already knows what she wants to remember about Chile.

“I hope I remember how special it was to be 16 years old and represent the Philippines on the world stage,” Celis said. “I’ll definitely remember the games, the experience and all the people I shared this journey with. I also hope I remember all the challenges we went through, because those moments helped me grow not just as a player, but also as a person.

“Most of all, I want to look back and feel proud that I gave my best, enjoyed every moment and was grateful for the opportunity to represent my country.”

Quick links:
FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Championship
FIVB Junior World Champs Instagram
Volleyball World YouTube
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