PVL: Strong Group Athletics absorbs Imee Hernandez

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Imee Hernandez just found her new home.

A month following her former squad’s disbandment, the Chery Tiggo EV Crossovers, Hernandez quickly inked a deal, securing her future in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) after joining Strong Group Athletics (SGA), confirmed on Jan. 6, 2026.

With the recent offseason development, Hernandez is set to play for either the Farm Fresh Foxies or the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, the two teams owned by SGA in the PVL.

Hernandez followed in the footsteps of ex-Crossovers Princess Robles, Karen Verdeflor and Renee Penafiel, who were the first members to be signed by SGA days after Chery Tiggo’s withdrawal.

“Strong Will. Imee Hernandez adds power and presence to Strong Group’s wall, ready to lock it down at the net. Welcome home, Imee!” Strong Group posted.

It was unfortunate timing for Hernandez, as the 2025 PVL playing season was her comeback year after multiple injuries had sidelined her for the entire 2024 season.

In the first conference last year, Hernandez was finally reactivated by the coaching staff and slowly made her way into the team’s rotation midway through the year.

Just when Hernandez was beginning to play as the team’s starting middle blocker, her resurgence took a toll when Chery Tiggo disbanded its PVL franchise.

The Sytin-family-owned company announced on Dec. 2, 2025, becoming the second franchise in the PVL to disband, aside from the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers.

“With heavy hearts, we announce the closing of the Chery Tiggo EV Crossovers’ chapter, after 11 unforgettable years in professional volleyball,” the franchise wrote in a statement.

As of now, there are still members of the Crossovers who have yet to sign with a new team, including superstars Ara Galang, Jen Nierva, and Aby Maraño.