Imee Hernandez opens up on her Chery Tiggo comeback after missing 20 months due to a knee injury

Chery Tiggo Crossovers’ middle blocker Imee Hernandez has finally made her long-awaited return to the court after spending nearly 20 months on the sidelines due to a serious knee injury suffered during the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season-ending All-Filipino Conference.

Hernandez sustained the injury during Chery Tiggo’s four-set victory over the Nxled Chameleons, 22-25, 31-29, 25-23, 28-26, on November 9, 2023, at the Philsports Arena. The 25-year-old hurt her left knee following an awkward fall while the Crossovers trailed in the second set. Though she initially attempted to continue playing, the pain proved too severe, and she was eventually carried off the court.

After a long and difficult rehabilitation process, Hernandez made her comeback in the 2025 PVL On Tour preseason tournament, marking her return with eight points in her first game back for the Crossovers. She also helped Chery Tiggo secure a silver medal in the PVL On Tour and a fourth-place finish in the PVL Invitational Conference.

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“So habang nasa van kami on the way to the venue, parang biglang doon nag-flashback ‘yung parang moment na kung paano ako na-injure and ‘yung parang gaano kahirap. Parang nag-flashback lang siya na parang totoo na ‘to, na maglalaro na ako ulit. So parang sabi ko nga, hindi ako makapaniwala noon na maglalaro na ako ulit, parang kailan lang din ‘yung almost two years na ‘yun; actually naiiyak talaga ako parang on the way doon sa venue,” Hernandez shared in an interview with The Game.

For Hernandez, her return wasn’t just about getting back on the court—it was about overcoming self-doubt, persevering through setbacks, and rediscovering her passion for the sport.

Former 🐯UST Golden Tigresses standout Imee Hernandez is finally back on the court for the 🚗Chery Tiggo Crossovers after a 20-month injury hiatus. #PVL2025 🇵🇭 pic.twitter.com/wfHzCmxibO

— Torey Canino (@tj_canino) July 5, 2025

“Ang tagal kong naiinggit sa kanila na sila naglalaro, tapos ako nasa sideline lang. Parang gusto ko lang talaga i-cherish ‘yung moments na naglalaro ako, kasi nga parang doon ko na-appreciate ‘yung mayroon akong opportunity na ipakita ‘yung talent ko kapag naglalaro na ako,” she added.

This was not the first time Hernandez suffered a major knee injury. She previously tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the same knee while playing for the UST Junior Golden Tigresses in high school. Her second ACL injury, however, posed a more complex challenge.

“Na-heads up naman ako nila strength and conditioning coach Luis De Mesa, ng mga PTs namin and then noong ortho ko na mas mahirap talaga mag-recover ngayon kasi second time na. An then hindi din kasi like ‘yung usual na ginagawa for ACL; iba ‘yung graft nung sakin eh, sa peroneals siya kinuha. Hindi sa hamstring or patellar tendon, so dalawa ‘yung nirerehab ko – ‘yung ankle ko at ‘yung tuhod ko – so medyo naging mahirap siya and kaya tumagal din ‘yung recovery journey ko kasi siyempre, ayaw naman namin ma-reinjure ulit ako,” she explained.

Now fully recovered, Hernandez is determined to take better care of her body and make the most of her second chance at the sport she loves.

“Mag-recover ka talaga nang maayos kasi siyempre kung nasa bakbakan ka, bakbakan talaga. So kailangan mong mag-recover nang maayos, kailangan mong kumain nang maayos, at kailangan mong matulong nang maayos. Lahat ng pwedeng makatulong sa katawan mo, kailangan mong ibigay sa sarili mo, tulad ng supplements at nutrition,” Hernandez concluded.

With her resilience and renewed focus, Imee Hernandez’s return stands as a powerful reminder of perseverance, discipline, and love for the game.

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