10 of the 12 first-round selections in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft feature UAAP standouts, with notable selections like Lyann De Guzman to Nxled and AC Miner to ZUS Coffee.
The future of Philippine volleyball is in good hands.
Three-time UAAP MVP Bella Belen officially ushered in a new era of local talent as she was selected first overall by Capital1 in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft held Sunday at Novotel Manila Araneta City.
Belen was the easy choice for the Solar Spikers, who are aiming to build a competitive roster anchored on youth, talent, and homegrown stars.
[ALSO READ: Bella Belen selected first overall by Capital1 in 2025 PVL Draft]
Following Belen’s selection, the Galeries Tower Highrisers picked Jean Asis of Far Eastern University at no. 2 overall.
At no. 3, Farm Fresh Foxies decided to stick with their plan as they selected Fil-Am setter Alohi Robins-Hardy. The 6-foot-1 playmaker brings pro experience and elite vision to a rising Foxies squad.
Nxled then addressed ts wing scoring by picking Ateneo's Lyann De Guzman at no. 4. ZUS Coffee then made it a double feature of Ateneo standouts by taking middle blocker AC Miner with the fifth overall pick.
Rounding out the top six was Erin Pangilinan of NU going the way of Cignal, giving the HD Spikers another option to their already-powerful net foundation.
One of the most anticipated names in the draft, Tia Andaya, was selected seventh by the Choco Mucho Flying Titans. The Fil-Am setter from Central Washington University is expected to bring quick decision-making and depth to the team’s playmaking role.
[ALSO READ: Choco Mucho lands Fil-Am setter Tia Andaya with 7th pick of 2025 PVL Draft]
Chery Tiggo Crossovers tapped DLSU’s Jyne Soreno at no. 8, while PLDT opted for steady outside hitter Alleiah Malaluan with the ninth pick.
The Akari Chargers went with energetic scorer Chenie Tagaod of FEU at no. 10, while the reigning PVL All-Filipino champion Petro Gazz Angels brought in tall playmaker Julyana Tolentino of DLSU at no. 11.
The Creamline Cool Smashers closed out the first round with a statement pick in Sheena Toring out of NU at no. 12.
The first round capped a deep and historic draft class that included local collegiate stars, international prospects, and a rising wave of Fil-foreign talent.