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You know, as someone who's been following collegiate sports for over a decade, I've got to say this Big 12 football season has been absolutely wild. While I'm usually tracking touchdowns and field goals, my attention recently got divided when I learned that three incredible athletes - Angel Canino, Shevana Laput, and Amie Provido - are joining Alas Pilipinas training for the 2025 AVC Women's Volleyball Nations Cup happening from June 7 to 14. It got me thinking about how different sports seasons can create completely different narratives for their participants.

Let me start with what I consider the biggest winner this season - the University of Texas. Their offensive line has been nothing short of spectacular, averaging 38.2 points per game compared to last season's disappointing 24.7. I watched their game against Oklahoma where they converted 12 of 15 third downs, which is just insane efficiency. Their quarterback has thrown for over 2,800 yards already, and we're only halfway through the season! What reminds me of those volleyball players preparing for international competition is how Texas has built this incredible team chemistry - much like how Canino, Laput, and Provido will need to quickly gel with their national team teammates despite coming from different club backgrounds.

On the flip side, Baylor has been the disappointment of the season for me. I attended their home game against Kansas State where they committed four turnovers in the first half alone. Their defense has allowed an average of 421 yards per game, which is just unacceptable at this level. Watching their struggling offense reminds me of how crucial proper preparation is - something those volleyball stars understand as they begin their training camp well in advance of next year's tournament. Baylor's coaching staff seems to have misjudged their roster's capabilities, whereas the Philippine volleyball federation appears to be making smart moves by bringing in these three talents early.

What fascinates me about both situations - whether we're talking Big 12 football or international volleyball - is how much roster decisions impact outcomes. Oklahoma State made what I consider the smartest move of the season by switching to their freshman quarterback after week 3, and they've gone 5-1 since then. Similarly, the addition of these three volleyball players to the national team could completely change the dynamic for the Philippines. I'm particularly excited about Shevana Laput joining - her height at 6'2" could provide that blocking presence they've been missing.

The financial aspect can't be ignored either. Texas Tech's football program has seen ticket sales increase by 34% compared to last season, generating approximately $2.8 million in additional revenue. Meanwhile, I suspect the inclusion of these popular volleyball stars will significantly boost viewership for the Philippine team. Having followed volleyball recruiting for years, I can tell you that adding a player of Angel Canino's caliber typically increases merchandise sales by at least 15-20%.

What strikes me as particularly interesting is the timing of everything. While Big 12 teams are battling through their regular season, these volleyball athletes are beginning their preparation for a tournament that's still nearly a year away. It shows how different sports operate on completely different timelines, yet the principles of building winning programs remain remarkably similar. Both require identifying talent early, developing chemistry, and making strategic adjustments - whether you're a football coach or a volleyball program director.

As the Big 12 season continues to unfold, I'll be keeping one eye on the football field and another on how these volleyball stars develop with Alas Pilipinas. Sports, at their core, are about these journeys of preparation and performance, whether it's a Saturday afternoon in Norman or an international tournament in Asia. The parallels are everywhere if you know where to look.