39-year-old Rose Pinuela and 20-year-old Angela Jackson are proving that dreams know no age as they join the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft.
The 2025 PVL Rookie Draft Combine have seen a wide range of applicants, but two names stood out not just for their skills but also for the stories they bring to the court.
Meet 39-year-old Rose Pinuela, and 20-year-old Mary Angela Jackson.
Pinuela, a professional model by trade, is hoping to achieve her dream of making it to the professional volleyball scene.
Despite being over a decade older than most applicants, she remains unfazed.
“I’m 39 years old right now, but age is just a number for me. This is my first time joining the PVL, so I’m going for it,” Pinuela told reporters during the Draft Combine. “I just want to follow my goal and dreams in life. Ayokong gumive up.”
A natural open spiker, Pinuela says her biggest contribution to any team would be her faith and optimism.
“Yung maco-contribute ko is ‘yung pagiging positive ko, laban lang, never give up, and always do our best,” she said.
Encouraged by a best friend to return to the sport she once paused for modeling, Pinuela is now diving back in with full confidence.
On the opposite end of the age spectrum is 20-year-old Mary Angela Jackson, the youngest among the 60 applicants.
Jackson, who skipped collegiate volleyball altogether, said going pro was always part of her plan. She played volleyball at the University of the Philippines Integrated School back in high school, before being part of UST’s pool of players.
“By the time that I graduated high school, PVL introduced the age limit ng 21 years old, so now I took it as the sign to go,” she said.
Although she admits to feeling pressure competing against older, more experienced players, Jackson believes the Draft Combine is a great equalizer.
“It’s a very good opportunity for players like me who didn’t get the chance to play in UAAP or NCAA,” she said.
Confident in her blocking and work ethic, Jackson is out to prove that she belongs, even at a younger age compared to her PVL batchmates.
“I’ll be working hard to reach whatever expectation they set. I’m confident in my skills and willing to keep learning.”
For Pinuela and Jackson, the draft is more than just a competition, it’s a chance for them to chase long-held dreams, no matter their age or background.