Former NU standouts Erin Pangilinan and Sheena Toring are ready for their next chapter, embracing a back-to-zero mindset as they enter the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft.
Former National University stalwarts Erin Pangilinan and Sheena Toring are officially bidding goodbye to their long-time collegiate home as they set their sights on the PVL.
After spending over a decade with NU, Pangilinan is entering the 2025 PVL Draft on June 8 with a focus on growth and stepping outside her comfort zone.
“I think for me, it’s time to get out of my comfort zone. I’ve been with NU for 11 years,” said the middle blocker. “I think for me para rin sa growth ko, kailangan na rin ng new experience and new environment, at tsaka siyempre dun din sa mga susunod pa sa 'min, para mabigyan lalo sila ng time.”
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Pangilinan emphasized her readiness to embrace the learning curve of turning pro. Despite her accolades at the collegiate level, she views her PVL journey as a clean slate.
“Kung ano man 'yung na-achieve ko sa college, kung ano man 'yung na-experience sa college level ko, wala na 'yon for me pagdating sa PVL. Parang as in zero experience, zero, kumbaga, zero achievements,” she said.
Amid a loaded draft class with tall and athletic middle blockers, Pangilinan, who was the team captain in NU's title run in Season 86, says her edge over the others is her flexibility, where she applied for two positions in the draft.
Aside from her usual middle blocker role, Pangilinan is no stranger to playing as the opposite hitter, where she thrived during the Lady Bulldogs' championship run in Season 84.
Meanwhile, Toring, one of NU’s most decorated middle blockers, described joining the PVL as the moment she’s waited for her entire volleyball career.
“Nilu-look forward ko 'yung pagiging professional na volleyball [player], kasi buong years ko na nagba-volleyball, ito 'yung pinakahihintay ko talaga, which is maglaro sa PVL,” said Toring.
Though she admitted to nerves when considering the unfamiliarity of new coaches and teammates, Toring said she’s excited for the challenge and the unknown.
“Actually, kinakabahan nga ako, kasi nung nagtingin-tingin sa ibang PVL teams, dun ko na-realize na parang iba talaga 'pag ibang coaches, ibang teammates, so sa akin, excited din naman po 'ko,” Toring explained.
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Toring, who also boasts multiple championships from high school to college, believes that her winning mentality and big-game experience can be valuable assets to any PVL team.
As the draft draws near, both Pangilinan and Toring are leaning on the support of fellow NU graduates also entering the draft, sharing that their decision was something they had talked about and planned for since last year.
“Parang relieved ako na may kasama ako. Hindi ako nag-iisa, especially, nag-usap-usap din naman kami and we really planned this out since last year. So I think grateful ako kasi siyempre 'di ako nag-iisa, may kasama ako,” said Pangilinan.
“Dito sa PVL, I think macha-challenge ako kasi 'di ko pa masasabi kung ano 'yung career ko sa PVL. So ayun lang, tiyaga lang tsaka back to zero nga po ako,” Toring added.