Pia Ildefonso: From triathlon to volleyball

By Angelli Ojastro

Known as the daughter of former PBA star Danny Ildefonso and now Middle Blocker for Ateneo Lady Eagles, Sofia Ildefonso is definitely making an impact in the country’s volleyball community.

Coming from a family of athletes, it was not a surprise that Sofia will be one as well. In fact, at 9 years old, she was already a triathlete despite the fact that she went head-to-head with cancer at the age of 6. You can definitely say that she is an extraordinary girl.

Growing up, Sofia tried multiple sports such as gymnastics, basketball, and swimming. Which eventually led her to do triathlon in the first place.

As time passed, she discovered her love for volleyball and became part of the National University Nazareth School volleyball team which she was discovered and eventually recruited by the Ateneo Lady Eagles.

On a side note, Sofia has a very active social media accounts with an impressive following especially on Tiktok and Instagram with over 179k and 301k followers, respectively.

Today, Sofia is currently her second year of playing with the Lady who just clinched their way into the last spot in the final four of the Season 84 UAAP Women’s Volleyball tournament. If you want to witness Sofia in action, don’t forget to watch stepladder semis game between Ateneo and La Salle on June 16, Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

Full name: Sofia Daniela G. Ildefonso

Birthday: September 25, 2002

Height: 5’9

Position: Middle / Opposite Spiker

Volleyball idols: Zhu Ting, Alyssa Valdez, Tyang Aby, Pleumjit Thinkaow

Hometown: Urdaneta, Pangasinan

School: Ateneo De Manila Univaersity

Favorite quote: Psalm 118:8 – “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.”

Shoe size: 27.5 cm

Favorite past time outside Volleyball: Mobile Legends, Netflix, Sleep, Eat, Swim/Workout

Follow the writer on Twitter: @thegreatangelli

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