In the hushed anticipation of the inaugural PVL Draft at Novotel Manila Araneta City, Julia Coronel sat, nerves coiling like a spring.
As the names of her teammates, Thea Gagate and Leila Cruz, echoed through the venue as top picks, Coronel felt a mixture of pride and apprehension.
She knew their success wasn't just chance but a testament to the methodical coaching of La Salle's legendary Ramil de Jesus.
“Alam naman natin ang system ni Coach Ramil for how many years na, proven and tested na yan, kaya it’s a great feeling,” Coronel shared.
With each selection, including her own as Galeries' No. 3 pick, Coronel's mind raced with memories of battles fought and victories won alongside her teammates at La Salle.
Despite the setbacks of injuries that shadowed their UAAP Season 86 campaign, which culminated in a hard-earned bronze, Coronel remained steadfastly hopeful for her friends' futures in the PVL.
“It’s a great feeling to see my fellow teammates na mapili right away in this draft and I’m really hoping that they get to shine in the teams we are all in right now,” Coronel confessed.
Acknowledged for her versatility as both an opposite spiker and setter, Coronel's gratitude swelled for Galeries' faith in selecting her, especially amidst the initial uncertainty of where her PVL journey might lead.
“Sobrang thankful ako kasi coming into this draft, hindi ko talaga alam kung sino ang pipili sakin," she expressed. "And now that I know, I’m just really happy with the team that I’m in and I’m willing to contribute to the success of the team.”
As she prepares for Alas Pilipinas' campaign in the Southeast Asian V.League this August, Julia Coronel's debut in the PVL may be delayed, but her resolve burns brighter than ever.
