8 May 2019
By Angelli Ojastro
Charming her way into town.
News has been circling all over volleyverse before and during UAAP season 81 women’s volleyball tournament about Ateneo Lady Eagles’ (ALE) rookie, Vanessa “Vanie” Gandler. In her debut on the 2018 Philippine Volleyball League (PVL), Gandler showcased that she’ll be a powerful arsenal on Coach Oliver Almadro’s squad.
So, who is Ateneo Lady Eagle number 5, Vanie Gandler?
Vanie, 18 years of age is the youngest of the four children of Norbert and Gina Gandler who grew up in Muntinlupa and started playing volleyball when she was in fourth grade.
From an Archer to Eagle
After her transfer in De La Salle-Zobel during her third grade, Vanie was not the type of the sporty kid. She wasn’t even influenced by any of her family members to play volleyball since none of them play it either. Although, little did she know that she’ll be introduced to a sport that’ll help create a brighter future for her.
“My parents didn’t influence me to play. My siblings always go to gym but they don’t have a sport. I started playing Volleyball when I was Grade 4. My friend was playing and she just asked me to come along and so, I did.”
National Team Player
Along with Jolina Dela Cruz of DLSU, Lycha Ebon of FEU, and Eya Laure of UST, Vanie was also part of the national team when she was in high school. She was part of the 2017 Asian School Games and partake in the Palarong Pambansa.
The Phenom’s fan
In the past, not many would have guessed that Vanie Gandler will eventually go to Ateneo especially with the green spirit running through her veins. Fortunately for the Ladies in Blue, she was fond of a former Ateneo volleyball player namely, Alyssa Valdez A.K.A. The Phenom.
Vanie’s admiration for Valdez was one of her main reasons for attending her current school.
Filling the shoes of Maraguinot
With Jhoana Maraguinot’s departure in the Eagles’ nest, Vanie was one of the lucky rookies who get to fill her former position. And as Ateneo’s new open spiker, being compared was unavoidable but having the support of your idol definitely takes away the inhibitions.
“I came in thinking like, ‘When the time is right, ‘it’ll come. Me, starting.’ But then, I got this opportunity so I had to embrace it. She [Valdez] told me to keep it up and just be brave.”
Town’s newest crushie!
Since her debut under Ateneo-Motolite team in PVL, Filipino volleyball fans have been praising Vanie not only for her talent but as well as for her looks. A lot of statements has been made in the twitter sphere in each Ateneo game on how she is making them “kilig” or “what a beauty” she is. It is true enough that she is more than just a pretty face.
She has proven a lot since season 81 has begun. Now that Ateneo’s closer to the title, will Vanie Gandler delivers what the ADMU community is expecting from her?
Follow the writer on Twitter: @thegreatangelli
