Cignal HD SPikers’ Vanie Gandler during a PVL All-Filipino Conference game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Vanie Gandler has agreed to a long-term contract extension with the Cignal HD Spikers ahead of the next PVL conference.
Gandler, who joined the HD Spikers two years ago, decided to stay for good and keep growing with her first pro team.
Vanie Gandler eyes a championship with Cignal. #PVL2025 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/1Zfb4C6uyF
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) May 23, 2025
READ: PVL: Vanie Gandler says teamwork key to Cignal’s success
“I’m very thankful, of course to be given this opportunity by Cignal because they’ve helped me a lot, they’ve contributed a lot to my growth in the past two years in the past two years in the pros and I’m really excited to grow with them,” Gandler told the reporters on Friday at TV5 Media Center.
“They also welcomed me and allowed me to grow into my own person. They accepted me and was able to really blossom with them.”
The outside spiker out of Ateneo said it was an easy decision to sign an extended deal with the HD Spikers, determined to take care of unfinished business — winning a championship.
Vanie Gandler during a contract signing with Cignal HD Spikers ahead of the new PVL conference. –HANDOIUT
“My job with the team isn’t done. We’ve been trying to reach the championship. We’re almost there but not quite yet, so hopefully, we’re able to reach it soon,” said Gandler.
“A championship, nothing more, nothing less. Like I always said, the championship is always the goal and that’s what Cignal has been eying for many years and we’re very hungry for one. It’s not gonna be easy, but I know we have the players, we have the talent, we have the tools that we need. We just need to keep pushing each other and building from what we have now.”
READ: PVL: Vanie Gandler wants more after stellar rookie season
After being trusted by Cignal to be a major key player for the next years, Gandler vows to work harder and help her team rise from missing the quarterfinals in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
“I’m really gonna work hard and contribute as much as I can. I know that it won’t always be smooth. There will be times, conferences, where we’re gonna struggle a little bit more than others but we all know that it’s all really part of the journey. Throughout my whole volleyball career, I’ve seen that. I’ve had years, seasons where my performances were low but it always motivated me more,” she said.
“The next conference I’m really able to push myself more. I’m just really excited for not just the accomplishments we’re gonna achieve but how much I can learn and grow through the hurdles that we’re gonna pass.”
The 24-year-old spiker has relished her growth under coach Shaq Delos Santos and she looks forward improving her chemistry with Dawn Macandili-Catindig, Ishie Lalongisip, Jackie Acuña, Gel Cayuna, and Rose Doria-Aquino, as well as newcomers Erika Santos, Tin Tiamzon, Ethan Arce, and Heather Guino-o.
“I think everyone can see how much I’ve grown in terms of skill because with the help of my coaches, coach Shaq, I always tell everyone is a really good coach. He really knows how to develop a player’s skill and more than that, also I guess my maturity,” said Gandler.
“I’m happy that my teammates trust me enough to allow me to lead in a way. I guess I’ve just become more confident in playing and in leading because of the teammates that I have. It’s an open communication with everyone and everyone’s really just trying to help each other become the best versions of ourselves.”
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