UAAP, NCAA standouts headline 2026 PVL Draft

Another wave of top collegiate volleyball talent is set to enter the professional ranks as 42 aspirants join the Premier Volleyball League Rookie Draft pool on June 3.

The 2026 PVL Draft is expected to reshape the league’s competitive landscape, with a deep field led by UAAP stars, NCAA standouts, provincial prospects, and one Fil-foreign player.

Alyssa Solomon headlines the class after returning to the Philippines following an overseas stint in Japan’s SV.League.

The 6-foot-1 opposite spiker from National University played for Osaka Marvelous, appearing in 30 games and scoring 147 points on 116 attacks, 27 blocks, and four aces.

Solomon, a multi-time UAAP champion and Season 86 Finals MVP, enters the draft with championship pedigree, international experience, and the profile of a presumptive No. 1 overall pick.

The draft pool also features Camilla Lamina of NU, a two-time UAAP Best Setter and one of the country’s top floor generals.

University of Santo Tomas libero Bernadett “Detdet” Pepito brings a decorated defensive résumé as a two-time UAAP Best Libero.

University of the Philippines middle blocker Niña Ytang joins the pool as the only four-time UAAP Best Middle Blocker.

The UAAP contingent also includes former UST offensive threats Jonna Perdido and Xyza Gula.

UP is further represented by Irah Jaboneta, Joan Monares, Heart Magsombol, and Jum Gayo.

Far Eastern University adds Tin Ubaldo, Ann Asis, and Florize Papa to the draft list.

La Salle is represented by Ela Raagas, Michelle Beterina, and Sophia Sindayen.

The University of the East sends KC Cepada, Tin Ecalla, and Kayce Balingit into the draft pool.

Adamson’s Barbie Jamili and Ateneo playmaker Taks Fujimoto complete the formidable UAAP delegation.

Jade Fuentes of Cal State Dominguez Hills is the lone Fil-foreign prospect in the field.

The California-born, 6-foot spiker previously suited up for La Salle before continuing her volleyball career in the United States.

The NCAA will also have a strong presence in the draft, with several players seeking to make the jump to the PVL.

Letran fields Lara Mae Silva, Natalie Estreller, and Julienne Castro.

San Sebastian enters Katherine Santos, Christina Marasigan, and Kristine Dionisio.

Jose Rizal University is represented by Marianne Alona and Gayle Batara.

Lyceum of the Philippines University sends Johna Dolorito, Jericha Lopez, and Janeth Tulang.

Mapua adds Grace Cabadin and Alyanna Ong to the draft pool.

San Beda’s Erin Navarro and Perpetual Help’s Fianne Ariola are also among the aspirants.

The talent search also reaches the provinces, with 5-foot-9 middle blocker Kirsty Destajo of University of Nueva Caceres-Sorsogon joining the field.

Cebuano ace blocker Angel Galinato of University of San Carlos is also out to make an impression on PVL teams.

Jesska Sacay and Marjorie Orpilla of Immaculada Concepcion College, and Lyca Dela Peña of Polytechnic University of the Philippines complete the 42-player field.

PVL hopefuls will undergo the mandatory Draft Combine from May 28 to 29 at Gameville Ballpark in Mandaluyong City.

Applicants have until June 1 to withdraw their names from the draft pool.

The draft lottery was held Monday night at the TV5 Media Center to determine the order of the top four picks.

The event is supported by Buffalo’s Wings and Things, Ibis Styles Manila, Novotel Manila, and Gameville.

Capital1 holds the highest probability of landing the No. 1 overall pick at 40 percent after posting a 9.05 weighted average across three conferences.

Under the formula agreed upon by all teams before the 2025–26 season, the All-Filipino Conference carries a 75 percent weight, the Reinforced Conference accounts for 15 percent, and the PVL On Tour accounts for 10 percent.

Galeries Tower has a 30 percent chance of securing the top pick with a 9.0 weighted average.

ZUS Coffee holds 20 percent odds, while Choco Mucho has a 10 percent chance in the lottery.

The incoming draft class underscores the PVL’s growing role as the main professional destination for standouts from the UAAP, NCAA, provincial programs, and overseas pathways. (PVL)