Kim Kianna Dy thanks boyfriend Dwight Ramos for all the support after winning her first PVL title

Filipino volleyball star Kim Kianna Dy finally realized a career milestone as she lifted her first Premier Volleyball League (PVL) championship crown on Sunday, August 17, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Dy and the PLDT High Speed Hitters outlasted the Chery Tiggo Crossovers in a thrilling five-set battle, 25-17, 25-17, 19-25, 24-26, 15-8, in front of 11,055 roaring fans. The victory not only delivered PLDT its first-ever PVL championship, but also marked a triumphant comeback for the 30-year-old spiker, who has endured a grueling journey back to the court.

Dy had been sidelined for nearly 559 days after tearing her knee in July 2023 while playing for the now-disbanded F2 Logistics Cargo Movers against the Creamline Cool Smashers in the semifinals of the PVL Invitational Conference. The injury required extensive recovery and left her uncertain about her future in the sport.

“Winning this championship feels different because I went through so much just to get here,” Dy said. “There were times I doubted if I could return, but I had so much support from my family, my teammates, and of course, Dwight.”

Dy’s boyfriend, Gilas Pilipinas guard Dwight Ramos, was among the first to congratulate her on the court. Coming off national team duty in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Ramos flew back to Manila before heading to Japan to rejoin his B.League club, ensuring he was present for Dy’s big moment.

“As an athlete, he understands what I’m going through,” Dy shared. “Every time I was negative, he stayed patient and helped me push through. I’m happy he was able to watch the finals before he leaves.”

Kianna Dy on Dwight Ramos’ support. #PVLonTour #PVL2025 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/nOv5b1RLHS

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) August 17, 2025

Ramos, in turn, expressed pride in Dy’s resilience. “I’m just very happy for her and the team,” he said. “It’s PLDT’s first time in the finals and their first championship, so it’s a really good feeling for her.”

For PLDT, the championship is historic. Since joining the PVL, the High Speed Hitters had never reached the finals until this season. Their title run was fueled by a mix of veteran leadership and hungry newcomers, with Dy’s return adding both firepower and inspiration.

Head coach Rald Ricafort credited Dy’s perseverance as a rallying point for the squad. “She worked so hard to come back and the team fed off that energy,” Ricafort said. “This championship belongs to all of them.”

The celebration, however, will be short-lived. The PVL Invitational Conference begins on Thursday, August 21, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City, with PLDT set for an immediate rematch against Chery Tiggo in the opening game.

“We’ll enjoy this for now, but we have to reset quickly,” Dy said. “The season isn’t over, and we want to keep building on this momentum.”

For Dy, who once feared her injury might end her playing days, the championship is more than just a medal — it is proof of resilience and a symbol of her long-awaited return to the sport she loves.

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