After 11 decorated years draped in navy and gold, Erin Pangilinan is bidding farewell to the only volleyball home she’s ever known—and boldly stepping into the unknown.
The 23-year-old National University (NU) stalwart has officially declared for the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Draft, set for Sunday, June 8, marking a new and daring chapter in her already storied career.
“I think kasi for me, it’s time na to get out of my comfort zone, especially I’ve been with NU 11 years na,” Pangilinan shared during the PVL Draft Combine held at the Paco Arena last May 30. “I think for me, para rin sa growth ko, kailangan ko na rin ng new experience and new environment.”
For someone who’s played virtually every key moment of her volleyball journey within the NU system—from her five-time champion run in the UAAP girls’ division with NU-Nazareth School to her recent collegiate championship with the Lady Bulldogs—it’s a move that symbolizes courage, humility, and the hunger to grow.
Pangilinan enters the PVL Draft not as a finished product, but as a student of the game all over again.
“I have to humble myself — kung ano ‘man yung na-achieve ko nung college at kung ano ‘man yung na-experience ko sa college level ko, wala na ‘yon for me pagdating dito sa PVL,” she admitted. “As in zero experience at zero achievements. Back to zero ako at kailangan ko i-achieve ulit kung ano ‘man gusto ko ma-achieve.”
Her collegiate finale was nothing short of poetic: teaming up with fellow seniors Bella Belen and Sheena Toring to sweep De La Salle University in the UAAP Season 87 Finals. That win sealed NU’s third title in the last four years, and solidified Pangilinan’s place in a dynastic run that helped redefine excellence in women’s collegiate volleyball.
But in her heart, she knew the torch had to be passed.
“At siyempre, para doon sa mga susunod pa sa amin, para mabigyan pa sila lalo ng time,” she said. “Especially yung mga bata ngayon, sobrang gagaling na at yung skills nila, angat na kumbaga. I think it’s their time to shine na. Kumbaga ako, expired na ako.”
Indeed, NU’s future remains bright with the likes of co-Finals MVPs Shaira Jardio and Vange Alinsug stepping into leadership roles. Add to that veterans like Lams Lamina, Celine Marsh, Alexa Mata, Chamy Maaya, Kaye Bombita, IC Cepada, and Arah Panique, and the Lady Bulldogs' legacy looks to be in safe hands.
As for Pangilinan, her focus now turns to carving her place in a fiercely competitive PVL draft class stacked with talent in the middle blocker position. She’ll be going up against the likes of longtime teammate Toring, Ateneo’s AC Miner, La Salle’s Jessa Ordiales, FEU’s Jean Asis, UST’s Pia Abbu, and UE’s Riza Nogales.
But what gives her a potential edge is her versatility. Not only did she declare as a middle blocker, but she also submitted her name as an opposite spiker—an unusual but strategic move that reflects her adaptability.
“Sa ngayon kasi I think yung edge ko over the other middle [blockers] kasi nag-apply ako ng two positions,” Pangilinan explained. “And I think yung pagiging flexible ko sa position, I think ‘yon yung magiging edge ko, especially na-experience ko na rin and I’ve played two positions na rin sa mga past UAAP [stints] ko.”
Pangilinan’s ability to slide between roles isn’t just about filling spots—it’s about being coachable and system-ready, traits that could make her a valuable asset in the professional scene.
“Sa bagong system na kung kanino ‘man na team ako, I think very important for me yung mabilis ako mag-adapt, especially sa new system, new coach, at new players,” she said.
