Fifi Sharma: Embracing the Challenges to Rise as a National Volleyball Icon

Fifi Sharma: A Journey of Resilience and Passion in Filipino Volleyball

Mereophe Aevangeline Sharma, or “Fifi,” as fans affectionately call her, is a remarkable force on the volleyball court. Born on April 27, 2001, Fifi Sharma is currently a middle blocker for the Akari Chargers in the Philippines’ Premier Volleyball League (PVL). Her career is filled with unexpected twists and turns that have shaped her into the dynamic player she is today. Her story is a testament to growth, resilience, and the pursuit of happiness through self-discovery and passion.

A Reluctant Start in Sports: Fifi’s Childhood

Unlike many athletes who dream of a sports career from a young age, Fifi Sharma had no interest in pursuing athletics. Her father, Carlo Sharma, was a star in Philippine basketball, a PBA legend who experienced the sacrifices and pressures that come with professional sports. Watching her father’s journey left Fifi Sharma uncertain about a career in sports. Instead, she had a love for the arts and creative expression. Her reluctance toward sports was rooted in a desire to avoid the rigorous lifestyle she witnessed her father endure.

In an interview with ALL-STAR, Fifi explained, “I was very artistic as a kid. I wanted to explore different hobbies, but I didn’t want to commit to a sport because I knew how taxing and challenging it could be, emotionally and physically.”

Embracing Volleyball: A Life-Changing Decision

Fifi Sharma’s first step into volleyball was as surprising to her as it was to those around her. At age 15, she received an offer from Far Eastern University (FEU) for an athletic scholarship, despite her lack of experience in any sport. Seeing her height as an asset, she decided to give volleyball a try. It was here that she began learning the fundamentals of the sport—serving, setting, passing, and spiking—essentially from scratch.

Reflecting on her start in volleyball, she shared, “I didn’t know anything about volleyball. They taught me everything for the first time, and I was 15.” Fifi Sharma’s time at FEU was brief, as she transferred to De La Salle University (DLSU) a year later. Recognizing her potential, La Salle nurtured her talent, helping her grow into a skilled volleyball player in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) league.

The College Years: Challenges and Growth

Fifi Sharma’s college career was a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Although she developed her skills and earned recognition as a Lady Spiker, her journey was far from smooth. The demanding schedule of a student-athlete was physically and emotionally taxing. Balancing academics with intensive training pushed Fifi to her limits, and at times, the pressure seemed overwhelming.

“College was super hectic,” Fifi Sharma admitted. “It was emotionally and physically challenging, and balancing academics with sports was stressful. There were days I thought I couldn’t keep going.”

Amid these challenges, Fifi Sharma faced self-doubt and low performance levels. Her father’s reassuring words became a lifeline during tough moments. He told her, “If you’re not happy playing the sport, you don’t have to keep doing it. You can always come home, and I’ll still be proud of you.” Knowing that her father’s love was unwavering no matter what, Fifi’s perspective shifted. She began to play with a newfound sense of freedom and joy, which improved her performance significantly.

Rediscovering Her Passion During the Pandemic

The pandemic became a turning point in Fifi Sharma’s volleyball career. With sports events and training on hold, Fifi found herself missing volleyball deeply. This period of isolation and inactivity gave her clarity—volleyball had become a vital part of her life. The absence of it revealed how much she loved the game, and when competitions resumed, Fifi returned with an enthusiasm she had never felt before.

“I realized that volleyball was something I couldn’t live without,” she shared. “It was more than just a sport; it was something I genuinely loved and wanted to pursue wholeheartedly.”

Turning Pro: The Akari Chargers and National Team Success

In 2023, after finishing UAAP Season 85, Fifi transitioned to the professional arena with the Akari Chargers in the Premier Volleyball League. Contrary to her initial expectations, the move to professional volleyball came with its own set of challenges. She soon discovered that the professional scene demanded even more dedication and sacrifice.

“It’s not just about playing; it’s about giving up a part of your social life and sometimes dealing with harsh criticism,” Fifi explained. Despite these pressures, she found a renewed sense of purpose in the pro league. Playing in the PVL allowed her to shed the need to prove herself constantly. Now, her primary focus was enjoying the game she loved.

Her efforts paid off when she emerged as the top blocker in the PVL during the 2024 All-Filipino Conference. “I was surprised!” Fifi Sharma confessed. “I had never topped the blocking department in college, so it was a huge personal achievement for me.”

Fifi’s remarkable journey continued with her selection for the Philippine national team, the Alas Pilipinas. Competing in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup, Fifi and her team brought home the bronze medal, marking a historic moment for Philippine volleyball. The victory reinforced her love for the sport and her pride in representing her country.

Lessons of Resilience and Self-Belief

Fifi’s story resonates because it defies the conventional path many athletes follow. Hers is a journey marked by self-doubt, periods of indifference, and unexpected passion. She’s candid about the sacrifices involved in professional sports—the early mornings, the grueling practices, and the criticisms from fans who often overlook the mental strength required to thrive on the court.

“I’ve learned to just focus on my goals and block out the negativity,” she said. “No one else’s opinions matter more than my own sense of purpose and joy in what I’m doing.”

Fifi Sharma’s volleyball career teaches us about resilience, self-belief, and the courage to follow a path even when it doesn’t match our original plans. Her journey emphasizes that passion can be cultivated, and sometimes, our greatest joys lie in things we once resisted.

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