After Ann Monares spent her rookie season with the Farm Fresh Foxies, the young libero has found a new home with the Akari Chargers, who continue to reshape their roster ahead of the 2026 PVL On Tour.
Monares arrives at a pivotal moment for Akari. While the Chargers chose to keep the core of their roster intact, the team also entered the offseason knowing that its defensive unit would need fresh reinforcements.
That need became more evident after Akari trimmed its roster and bid farewell to Dani Ravena, Max Juangco, Bea Bonafe, Joan Doguna, and Steph Bustrillo. The departures left openings across several positions, particularly in the back row where Ravena and Juangco had provided depth and stability.
Rather than searching for solutions through the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft, where the franchise elected not to make a selection, Akari turned to a player already familiar with the professional environment.
The former FEU standout joins the Chargers after being selected 16th overall by Farm Fresh in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft.
Although her playing opportunities were limited during her rookie campaign under head coach Koji Tsuzurabara, the experience allowed Monares to learn the demands of the professional game while continuing to develop her defensive instincts.
One of the biggest factors working in Monares’ favor is familiarity. The move reunites her with Akari head coach Tina Salak, who previously coached her during her collegiate years, and former FEU teammate Chennie Tagaod.
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MONARES TO AKARI
Ann Monares makes the move from Farm Fresh to Akari for the new PVL season. #PVL2026 @spinph pic.twitter.com/oHlSBS27gQ
— John Mark Garcia (@johnmarkdg_) June 16, 2026
For a young player looking to establish herself in the league, joining a system led by people who already understand her strengths could accelerate her transition.
The signing also gives Akari another option behind veteran libero Justine Jazareno, while providing additional competition within the team’s defensive rotation.
Beyond the volleyball implications, the move creates an interesting family storyline for the upcoming season.
Recently, Monares’ sister Joan also secured a spot in the PVL after being undrafted in the 2026 Rookie Draft, with the PLDT High Speed Hitters giving her an opportunity to continue her volleyball journey.
The sisters are no strangers to competing on opposite sides. During their collegiate careers, Ann represented the FEU Lady Tamaraws while Joan played for the UP Fighting Maroons, creating a sibling rivalry that is now set to continue on the professional stage.
For Akari, Monares represents more than a replacement for departing players. She is part of a broader effort to refresh the roster without disrupting the foundation built around Ivy Lacsina, Ced Domingo, Fifi Sharma, Grethcel Soltones, Eli Soyud, and Jazareno.
At just the beginning of her professional career, Monares arrives with something every young athlete seeks after a challenging first season: a fresh start. And for a Chargers team looking to strengthen its defense while preparing for a new campaign, the partnership offers potential benefits for both sides.
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