For the first episode of Front Runner, we talk to Dzi about her journey from professional athlete to program head— how she was able to reinvent herself, step outside the box, and create opportunities to better the path for the future generation of Filipino athletes.
Welcome to Front Runner, a video series produced by Ribbon, where we shine a spotlight on extraordinary Filipinas who are leading the charge in Philippine sports. Through this series, our aim is to provide a platform to highlight their journeys, share their experiences, and showcase the meaningful impact they're making.
For our first episode, we talk to Dzi Gervacio about her journey from professional volleyball athlete to university program head— how she was able to reinvent herself, step outside the box, and embrace the multitude of opportunities to better the path for the present and future generation of Filipino athletes.
Throughout our conversation, Dzi offers profound insights into her transition from player to mentor, the values she brings to her role, and the transformative power of sports in shaping individual trajectories.
Dzi shared her journey from being an athlete to assuming the role of a program head. She discussed the challenges she faced during this transition and emphasized the importance of embracing new opportunities while staying true to one's values and principles.
According to Dzi, the offer to become a program head arrived while she was still actively playing for the national beach volleyball team. She expressed gratitude for the support she received from the organization, which allowed her to continue playing while taking on new responsibilities. This experience helped shape her approach to leadership, as she learned to balance her roles as an athlete and a program head.
As a program head, Dzi is passionate about creating a supportive and inclusive environment for student-athletes. She believes in the power of mentorship and emphasizes the importance of empowering individuals to reach their full potential both on and off the field.
Dzi highlights the importance of teamwork and collaboration in achieving success both in sports and in life. She emphasized the role of coaches, administrators, and support staff in providing student-athletes with the resources and guidance they need to succeed. By fostering a culture of support and encouragement, Dzi hopes to create an environment where student-athletes can thrive both academically and athletically.
Dzi opened up about the challenges she encountered during her transition from athlete to program head. She shared insights into the process of letting go of her playing career and embracing new roles and responsibilities, highlighting the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of change.
"Transitioning from athlete to program head, I just knew that something had to be cut off so that I can make space for whatever that I want to do next."
According to Dzi, the transition from athlete to program head was not without its challenges. She faced doubts and uncertainties about her ability to succeed in her new role, but she remained determined to overcome these obstacles.
Her journey underscores the importance of embracing change, seeking new opportunities, and finding fulfillment beyond the confines of sport.
Throughout the conversation, Dzi emphasized the importance of leading by example and empowering the next generation of athletes. She shared her vision for the future of collegiate volleyball and her commitment to creating opportunities for young athletes to succeed both in sports and in life.
"That's the beauty of sports... you try to do your best with what's in front of you, where you are."
In addition to her role as a program head, Dzi is also deeply involved in mentoring and coaching aspiring athletes. She believes that success is not just about winning games but also about personal growth and development. By instilling values such as discipline, resilience, and teamwork, she hopes to empower her students to become leaders both on and off the court.
Dzi shared her grounding philosophy as a program head, emphasizing the importance of empowering each member of her team to reach their full potential. She highlighted the collaborative nature of her work and the importance of creating a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
As we conclude our conversation, Dzi reflected on her journey and expressed optimism about the future of Philippine sports. She underscored the importance of collaboration and community-building in driving positive change within the sports industry. By working together towards a common goal, she believes that we can create a brighter and more inclusive future for athletes of all backgrounds.
Front Runner is just the beginning of an exciting journey to celebrate and uplift Filipina champions in sports. Stay tuned for future episodes featuring more inspiring stories and impactful conversations. Together, let's champion change, empower athletes, and pave the way for a brighter future in Philippine sports.
Watch the FULL EPISODE of Front Runner
Hosted by Pauline Lopez
Photography by Mico Ongkeko
Shot in Friday Club Studios