Prized libero Dawn Macandili-Catindig sets a personal goal of further career growth as she takes on the challenge of helping her new club Cignal reach greater heights in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League.
The veteran defense specialist seeks to regain her vintage form and contribute to the HD Spikers’ quest for a breakthrough title in the season-opening All-Filipino Conference kicking off on 20 February.
“I have high expectations of myself. I have like a timeline. I’m pressuring myself to really be the best version of myself. So I’m starting the year right with a new team. Hopefully, we’ll be able to achieve our goal as a team,” Catindig said.
The former F2 Logistics libero joined team training two weeks ago after signing with Cignal last December.
Catindig along with young opposite spiker Jovelyn Fernandez transferred to the HD Spikers after the Cargo Movers disbanded shortly after the season-ending 2nd All-Filipino Conference.
A decorated and champion libero, the 27-year-old Catindig hopes to bring to the table her vast experience and veteran smarts.
“I think I could share the strategies and all the things I’ve learned with my championship experience. And at the same time, I’m very open to learning from them,” the former national team player said.
Playing under the system of head coach Shaq delos Santos is nothing new to Catindig despite stepping out of her comfort zone for the first time after spending her college and club career under the system of legendary mentor Ramil de Jesus.
“Cignal is very flexible and I don’t think there’s much difference because I have trained under coach Shaq before with the national team. I’m a bit familiar with his system. So I’m very comfortable during training,” Catindig said.
The former Philippine Superliga Most Valuable Player will team up with another multi-awarded libero in Jheck Dionela, who is on her 11th year with the Manny V. Pangilinan franchise.
“Ate Jheck is very welcoming. As a senior, she’s guiding me with the ins and outs of the team during training,” Catindig said.
Dionela, for her part, welcomes the arrival of Catindig and embraces the challenge of sharing her minutes with her long-time rival.
