Strong Group lands free agency heavyweight as Ara Galang finally finds a new home

PVL free agency has been defined by uncertainty, rapid exits, and franchises scrambling to reset—but one of its longest-standing questions has finally been answered. Ara Galang, arguably the most accomplished name still available on the market, has committed to the Strong Group Athletics (SGA) program, bringing clarity to a turbulent offseason.

Galang’s arrival marks SGA’s 10th signing in a span of weeks, a clear signal of how aggressively the group has moved to stockpile proven talent ahead of the 2026 season. 

More than just another addition, the veteran opposite hitter represents pedigree, stability, and a track record that few in the league can match.

Her signing also continues the steady dismantling of the Chery Tiggo core. Galang is now the 10th former Crossover to secure a new PVL landing spot since the franchise formally disbanded in December, further shrinking a free-agent pool that once brimmed with championship-level contributors.

Transitions, however, are nothing new for Galang. A preseason silver medalist and former Invitational Conference Best Opposite Hitter, the 31-year-old has already navigated a similar upheaval before.

 In 2023, she was forced into the open market following F2 Logistics’ sudden exit from the league—a move that sent shockwaves across PVL circles. 

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BUILT DIFFERENT

All-around excellence, calm under pressure, and a winner’s mindset—Ara Galang is STRONG!

Welcome to the family, Ara! #StrongerTogether #FarmFreshFierce #GetZUSsed #PVL2026 pic.twitter.com/KbWKxp2vcD

— Strong Group Athletics (@stronggroupathl) January 8, 2026

That episode only reinforced her value, as she quickly emerged as one of the most coveted players available before being scooped up by Chery Tiggo.

This offseason unfolded in much the same way. With nearly every team reportedly exploring the possibility of adding her, Galang ultimately chose the SGA route, positioning herself to suit up for either Farm Fresh or ZUS Coffee—two of the league’s younger squads looking to fast-track their competitiveness.

Beyond her scoring punch, Galang brings leadership and championship-level experience to an SGA build that has leaned heavily on balance. 

Of the stable’s 10 acquisitions, six came from the now-defunct Chery Tiggo roster, forming a familiar core that includes Mylene Paat, Cess Robles, Imee Hernandez, Karen Verdeflor, and Renee Penafiel.

They are joined by former Petro Gazz standouts Chie Saet and Remy Palma, along with ex-Choco Mucho contributors Royse Tubino and Bia General, creating a mix of veterans and prime contributors rarely assembled in one offseason.

As PVL teams race against the calendar and the free-agent board continues to thin, Galang’s decision doesn’t just close one chapter—it reshapes the competitive landscape for the season to come.

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