Nica Celis knew the time had come.
After years of bleeding maroon and leading the University of the Philippines Women’s Volleyball Team through thick and thin, the 24-year-old middle blocker is ready to step into the next chapter of her volleyball journey — the Premier Volleyball League.
Celis formally declared for the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft, joining a competitive pool of 60 hopefuls who dream of making it to the professional ranks. But for the former UP team captain, this transition isn't about chasing spotlight or prestige — it's about moving forward with a full heart and the firm belief that she has already done her part for the Fighting Maroons.
“For me kasi, I feel like I already fulfilled my role to UP. I’m not leaving with a heavy heart na parang magulo ‘yung team, hindi pa stable,” Celis shared during the PVL Draft Combine held at Paco Arena.
“Parang for me, I can leave knowing na my girls can do the rest of the work and ten times better than what I did. So for me, I’m happy with that kasi alam ko next year they’ll be amazing sa UAAP. So I’m happy with that na parang okay, it’s time for me to transition na."
And what a legacy she leaves behind.
Under her leadership, UP delivered its best UAAP finish in six years, ending Season 87 in sixth place with a 6-8 record — a massive improvement for a squad often overlooked in preseason forecasts. Alongside fellow seniors Nina Ytang, Joan Monares, and Irah Jaboneta, Celis helped transform a rebuilding team into a group that played with heart, hustle, and pride.
The Maroons even saw promising flashes from their younger players like Kianne Olango and Bienne Bansil, while transferees Casiey Dongallo, Kizzie Madriaga, and Jelai Gajero are expected to take the reins next season.
Celis leaves the squad with no regrets, knowing that she helped lay the groundwork for UP’s future.
With her collegiate chapter closed, the 5-foot-9 Celis now trains her focus on the pros — eyes on the prize but feet firmly planted in the grit and grind she has long embraced. She may not be the flashiest name among the draftees, but her value lies in her discipline, leadership, and willingness to do whatever a team asks of her.
“For me, everything. Not in terms of like na parang number one player ako or anything like [that]. For me, I’m all out. If they want me to fulfill this role, I will work day in, day out. I will give you the best quality of what is needed of me,” she said.
“Parang I have no problems working extra, extra hard kasi I love working hard. I love my sport. So parang for me, that’s what I can give."
That mentality — one honed through years of playing with heart, despite the odds — is something Celis says she’ll carry into the PVL. At UP, she and her teammates lived by the rallying cry: Giting at Tapang — valor and courage — a philosophy that went far beyond the court.
“Tibay ng puso at utak. Kasi parang no matter where you go, things won’t always favor you and you really, really have to put in the work. So parang ‘yun nga ‘yung sigaw namin ‘di ba, giting at tapang. So that’s something na definitely madadala ko pagdating ko ng pro," she said.
"Titibay at titibay na matibay na player.”
