Alohi Robins-Hardy after being selected by Farm Fresh in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Alohi Robins-Hardy could finally breathe a sigh of relief after getting selected by Farm Fresh, the team that brought her back to Manila last year, as its third overall pick in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft on Sunday evening at Novotel.

Robins-Hardy is finally set for her Philippine volleyball after the Foxies’ plan to hire her last year didn’t materialize due to the league’s draft rules that a player who hasn’t played in the PVL must first join the Rookie Draft.

READ: PVL warns Alohi Robins-Hardy over Fam Fresh-only stance

Alohi Robins-Hardy on finally joining Farm Fresh. #PVLDraft2025 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/Gh5pw2zAZn

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) June 8, 2025

The 6-foot-3 setter is raring to make an immediate impact for the Foxies as she joins Rachel Anne Daquis, Trisha Tubu, Jolina Dela Cruz, and fellow playmaker Louie Romero.

“Honestly, right now, I’m more relieved than excited. As you’ve heard, it’s because I finally get to go on the court, finally get to play the sport that I love. I don’t think it changed it so much,” Robins-Hardy told the reporters.

Although she didn’t play last year, being part of the Farm Fresh coaching staff and even helping the University of the Philippines women’s volleyball team prepared her for her comeback since last playing for Cignal in 2020.

“I think it helps me on the coaching side to see it both ways. I know the players sometimes have a hard time communicating with coaches and I got to see that quite a bit last season. I’m hoping that I can help with that this coming season,” said the Filipino-American setter.

The 29-year-old playmaker, who played in Europe before finding her way home, made a statement days before the draft that she would only play for Farm Fresh.

READ: PVL: Alohi Robins-Hardy won’t play if not drafted by Farm Fresh

Her affirmation to only play for the Foxies didn’t sit well with some of the PVL fans, but Robins-Hardy didn’t mind the outside noise and continued to lean on her family including her cousin and PBA player Gabe Norwood, who has been supporting her since her Philippine Superliga days.

“A lot of it, I don’t even think I read much of it. I just stayed home. I talked to my family back at home,” she said. “They are always reassuring me that, don’t worry about that, just be ready to play. Even Gabe and his family, Leigh, and the boys have been there for me. I’m super grateful.”

Now that she is officially a Farm Fresh Foxy, Robins-Hardy is ready to share her international experience and leadership with the young Foxies, who also drafted libero Ann Monares from Far Eastern University in the second round.