Julia Coronel’s much-anticipated debut with the Galeries Highrisers was nothing short of impressive, as she showcased her versatility by switching roles mid-game. Initially orchestrating the team’s offense as a setter, Coronel later shifted to an attacking role, proving her adaptability in a thrilling but hard-fought 30-28, 15-25, 16-25, 23-25 loss to Akari in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
“Well, ‘yung mga adjustments naman na ‘yun kasi pina-practice din naman talaga namin,” Coronel shared, underscoring her readiness for the dynamic role. Her adaptability is a valuable asset for the Highrisers, who are eager to bounce back after a winless Reinforced Conference campaign.
Coronel, the third overall pick in the 2024 PVL Draft, had been eager to bring her dual skill set to the team. In her draft application last July, she listed both setter and opposite spiker as positions she could comfortably play. Coronel also disclosed a prior conversation with Galeries head coach Lerma Giron, during which she expressed her openness to switch roles whenever the team needed.
“Sinabi ko rin talaga kila coach na kung kailangan nila akong spiker, willing naman din ako,” Coronel explained. “Kasi I know that I’m also able to deliver in that department. Syempre, ayoko naman maging selfish, parang nire-ready ko lang din sarili ko na anytime na hugutin ako ni coach, gawin niya akong attacker also.”
Her debut statistics spoke to her impact: nine excellent sets and eight points, a solid performance for her first professional outing. Despite the loss, Coronel’s versatility provided a glimpse of her potential to make a significant impact on the team. The Highrisers came out strong, winning the first set in an intense back-and-forth before Akari eventually took control of the match.
Coronel’s road to the PVL was not without its challenges. The Colegio San Agustin alumna had to delay her debut with Galeries as she represented the Alas Pilipinas national team in the Southeast Asian V.League. This first game marked the end of a long wait and the beginning of her professional volleyball journey.
“Well, very happy ako na nakapag-debut na ako. First game ko in the PVL. Mindset ko lang din talaga coming into this game is I’m just going to play. Lalabas ko lang lahat ng inensayo namin,” she said, brimming with excitement after finally stepping onto the court in the country’s premier volleyball league.
The 23-year-old playmaker is clear-eyed about her goals, acknowledging that her debut is only the beginning. She remains focused on sharpening her skills and stepping up to meet the high standards of the PVL.
“Alam ko sa sarili ko na marami pa talaga akong kailangan i-work on. I would say this was a good debut for me. Parang, ganyan. Happy lang ako na, finally, nakapaglaro na ako in the pros,” she said. “Happy lang din ako talaga to be here and to play. Pero, yun nga, gusto ko rin na mas maging competitive din ako as a player. And mas maging competitive din talaga yung team namin. And so, yun ang goal ko for myself and for my team. That's why I'm also working to get to that level.”
