MANILA, Philippines – The first class of the Premier Volleyball League’s (PVL) inaugural Rookie Draft has been formally announced. It is set for July 8, 2024. The final list of applicants has been determined following a thorough review and screening procedure that reduced the pool of 50 applications to 47 qualified individuals.

This momentous occasion is a critical turning point for the PVL and demonstrates the league’s dedication to developing fresh talent and raising the standard of professional volleyball in the nation. A bright and varied group of athletes ready to establish themselves on the professional scene is available for selection in the draft.

By meeting the deadline of June 12th, the candidates guaranteed their spot in what seems to be a very competitive selection process. There is a certain sense of excitement around the draft as organizations and fans alike are eager to discover which prospects will enter the professional ranks.

Thea Gagate, another strong middle blocker who has impressed with her defensive skills, Julia Coronel, a skilled setter with excellent court vision, Maicah Larroza, an outside hitter known for her versatility and power, and Leila Cruz, a formidable middle blocker from De La Salle University, are some of the standout players in the draft class.

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) opposite spiker Pierre Abellana, who was instrumental in the team’s runner-up result in the UAAP women’s volleyball competition, has also declared for the draft. Her participation increases the event’s enthusiasm and competitiveness since she provides expertise and a successful track record.

More than merely a selection procedure, this first Rookie Draft is a symbol of the PVL’s future and the next wave of players that will influence the league. The recruited players will be able to demonstrate their abilities on a bigger platform, which will help volleyball gain more traction and competitiveness in the Philippines.

Excitement is growing as July 8th draws near, and the PVL community is looking forward to hearing the outcomes of this historic event.

Seven student-athletes from Adamson University—outside hitters Lucille Almonte and Ishie Lalongisip, opposite spiker AA Adolfo, setters Nikka Yandoc and Angge Alcantara, libero Karen Verdeflor, and middle blocker Sharya Ancheta—will be selected in the draft.

Abi Goc (outside hitter), Jewel Encarnacion (outside hitter), and Stephanie Bustrillo (opposite spiker), who are graduating seniors from University of the Philippines (UP), will compete for spots alongside Dara Nieva (opposite spiker) of University of the East (UE), Jenina Zeta and Dea Villamor, the liberos from Ateneo, and Roma Mae Doromal of Ateneo.

Aleiah Torres of Brock University and Nathalie Ramacula of Red River College Polytechnic, two Filipinos living overseas, will also be participating in the draft.

In the draft, players from throughout the nation also submitted their names.

The NCAA alumni include Daisy Melendres and Bay Anne de Leon of Letran; Dodee Batindaan, Robbie Mae Matawaran, Lorraine Pecana, Donnalyn Paralejas, and Charmina Dino of Arellano; Catherine Almazan of EAC; Camille Belaro of Lyceum; Maxinne Tayag and Lalaine Arizapa of San Beda; Jewelle Bermillo of San Sebastian; and Razel Aldea and Sandra Dayao of Perpetual Help.

DLSU-Dasmarinas’ Lovely Zapf and Lian Macasiray, Lyceum-Alabang’s Andrea Jardio, Marinduque State’s Jamie Solina, Trinity College’s Danya Casino, and USJ-R’s Danivah Aying are also included in the draft.

The remaining candidates are former UST Tigress Mary Grace Vernaiz, former NU Lady Bulldog CJ Evangelista, former UE Lady Warrior Remcel Santos, and former La Salle training pool players Caroline Santos, Ysabela Bakabak, and Giliana Torres.

The league’s free agents will also be on display during the much awaited two-day Draft Combine, which is scheduled for June 25–26 at Gameville Ballpark in Sheridan, Mandaluyong.

On the June 24 episode of The Starting Lineup, there will be a live draft lottery to determine the order of the first four choices.