MANILA — The Philippine women’s football team is gearing up to reclaim a spot on the podium at the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand in 2025, with a core group of experienced players leading the charge.
Team captain Hali Long, goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel, midfielders Sara Eggesvik, Meryll Serrano, and Jaclyn Sawicki, along with defender Angela Beard, are set to anchor the Filipinas’ squad in the women’s football tournament, officials confirmed.
The SEA Games women’s football event, scheduled as one of the centerpiece competitions, will feature group-stage matches followed by knockout rounds, where Southeast Asian nations will compete for gold, silver, and bronze medals. The Philippines will face regional rivals, including host nation Thailand.
Philippine Football Federation officials said the squad draws on the core of recent national team lineups, including players who have represented the country in the FIFA Women’s World Cup and other international tournaments. Coaches and staff have arranged pre-tournament training camps and friendly matches to ensure the team is ready for the level of competition expected in Thailand.
The federation coordinated closely with the SEA Games organizing committee to finalize match venues, training facilities, and logistics, while aligning preparations with the national team calendar to accommodate players with club commitments overseas.
Officials expressed confidence that the experienced leadership group and the team’s preparations will give the Filipinas a strong chance to secure medals in the upcoming games.
The women’s football competition is among several sports in which the Philippines will compete as part of its broader campaign at the 33rd SEA Games.