In a heartening display of camaraderie and encouragement, undrafted players from the inaugural Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft found solace and inspiration from key figures within the league, setting the tone for future aspirations.
Following the draft proceedings, where only 23 out of 47 hopefuls were selected across four rounds, multiple-time PVL MVP Alyssa Valdez took to consoling the undrafted players.
Positioned at the edge of the venue, she offered words of reassurance and motivation, emphasizing that this moment was merely a stepping stone in their careers.
“Oo nga, well I said, alam mo yun, we all want them to be part of the community. They're still part of the community, free agent sila ngayon. I told them this is just a stepping stone for them para abutin yung mga dreams nila to be a part of any teams in the PVL,” Valdez shared warmly.
Amidst the undrafted players' disappointment, PVL President Ricky Palou and Commissioner Sherwin Malonzo stepped in to bolster spirits.
Palou highlighted that the undrafted players are now free agents, empowered to try out for any team in the league, underscoring that their journeys were far from over.
“We’re happy for everybody, we’re just sorry for those who were not drafted. After the draft, I went to talk to the players who are not drafted and I told them that this is not the end. Pwede pa naman kayong maglaro sa PVL, ngayon you are free to try out for any team since free agent kayo,” Palou affirmed, urging resilience and optimism.
Valdez reflected on the growth of volleyball in the Philippines and expressed pride in the league’s successful inaugural draft.
She emphasized that the undrafted players should hold their heads high, knowing they are part of the evolving volleyball community, with opportunities yet to unfold.
The undrafted players include notable talents like UP’s Abi Goc, UE’s Dara Nierva, and Dea Villamor, alongside La Salle products Caroline Santos and Ysabela Bakabak.
Their inclusion in the free agent pool speaks to the depth of talent aspiring to make their mark in professional volleyball.
“Finally we're all here. Who would've thought na aabot tayo sa ganitong point in our lives also. Being part of the volleyball community, akala natin, maglalaro lang tayo until college, but now, we're really legit na pro with all this drafting,” Valdez remarked with a sense of fulfillment.
As the dust settles on the first-ever PVL Draft, the undrafted players remain determined, their sights set on future opportunities to showcase their skills and prove their worth in the competitive landscape of Philippine volleyball.
The journey continues, promising new chapters and aspirations in their pursuit of excellence.
