By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
It’s a new era for the Farm Fresh Foxies once they kick off their upcoming Premier Volleyball League (PVL) campaign.
In an official statement announced by the franchise, Italian mentor Alessandro Lodi will take over the head coaching duties for the Foxies, confirmed on May 6, 2025.
Boasting a long list of achievements in his resume, Lodi will be replacing coach Benson Bocboc, who served as the team’s interim head coach during the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
It was a series of “what ifs” for Farm Fresh after absorbing consecutive short trips to achieve their ultimate goal of pushing further to the PVL playoffs.
Now under the guidance of the European coach, Farm Fresh will have the chance to repeat their bid of another post-season climb and will still be anchored by their young core players.
Lodi will be handling a talented pool led by Caitlin Viray, Alyssa Bertolano, Jolina Dela Cruz, Trisha Tubu, Lorene Toring, Jheck Dioenela, and veteran leader Rachel Anne Daquis.
Before accepting the job in the Philippines, Lodi became a household name in the international volleyball scene after imparting his knowledge in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Lodi earned a big break after being named as the assistant coach of the Finland national volleyball team last 2017, while touring Switzerland, Poland, Sweden, Japan, Germany, and the Czech Republic, which helped him boost his reputation as one of the most in-demand coaches in the sport.
Aside from tapping Lodi, Farm Fresh team manager Kiara Cruz also confirmed that Carlo Buzzichelli, another Italian who made noise as a strength and conditioning coach, will join the Foxies.
“We’re not just maintaining momentum, we’re becoming stronger. The arrival of coach Alessandro Lodi as head coach and coach Carlo Buzzichelli as our new strength and conditioning head marks a new chapter for our teams,” said Cruz.
