Roma Mae Doromal is set to embark on an exciting new chapter in her volleyball career, having been selected by Capital1 in the Premier Volleyball League Rookie Draft and eager to learn under the seasoned guidance of coach Roger Gorayeb.
Expected to be a first-round pick, Doromal slipped to the second round where the Solar Spikers snagged her with the 14th overall selection at Novotel last Monday.
“Siyempre sobrang nakakakaba talaga siya and very happy talaga ako na nakuha ako and very thankful talaga ako sa Capital1 for having me and welcoming me. Yun talaga yung gustong gusto nila ko sa team nila,” expressed the defensive standout from Ateneo moments after her draft.
“Excited ako to be under coach Roger [Gorayeb] and I’ve heard a lot of good feedbacks talaga from him and super open talaga ako na matuto sa kanya under sa system niya so excited ako to play under coach Roger,” she added.
At 23 years old, Doromal is ready to embrace the challenges ahead and showcase her leadership skills in this new phase of her career. She looks forward to teaming up with Leila Cruz, Capital1's second overall pick, after their rivalry in the UAAP.
“Ie-embrace ko siya kung paano ko inembrace yung sa Ateneo. This time, I hope na makapag-lead pa talaga ako, kami ni Leila. Super excited to play with her inside the court,” Doromal remarked.
She also anticipates facing her sister, Roma Joy, who plays for Galeries Tower, adding, "“Exciting talaga. Alam kong hindi ‘yun magpapatalo, so syempre hindi rin ako papatalo and really ano talaga, happy ako na this time nasa isang league na kami.”
Gorayeb emphasized that Doromal fills a crucial role for the Solar Spikers, particularly in their limited libero depth, where Rica Rivera and Bingle Landicho currently share responsibilities in the ongoing All-Filipino Conference.
“Kasi talagang plano ko na yung second pick ko, talagang libero yung hinahanap ko kasi para meron naman kaming kaunting choice sa libero kasi da-dalawa yung libero namin,” Gorayeb explained
