Bella Belen is looking forward to stepping out of her comfort zone after being selected first overall by the Capital1 Solar Spikers in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft.
Even from afar, Bella Belen made her presence felt in the 2025 PVL Draft
Belen was selected as the no. 1 overall by Capital1 Solar Spikers last Sunday, but had to miss the proceedings due to her Alas Pilipinas commitments.
Nevertheless, hearing her name called first was both an honor and a surprise for Belen, despite being the favorite as the reigning three-time UAAP MVP.
“Siyempre I'm very happy din po kasi kahit na wala ako sa Philippines, ako po 'yung napili as number 1 pick,” Belen told One Sports.
“Marami po kasing magagaling na nagpa-draft ngayon, so I'm very honored talaga na nakita ng teams, lalo na 'yung Capital1, 'yung performance ko siguro from last UAAP.”
Now stepping into a new chapter of her young but already decorated career, Belen is looking forward to growing with the Solar Spikers under a new system and new teammates.
“Excited po ako kasi siyempre new environment, new teammates, tas new coaches. Kasi sobrang tagal ko na with NU, so parang lumabas talaga ako sa comfort zone ko,” she said.
“Marami akong matututunan and marami pa akong kailangan i-improve and I think kaya kong tulungan ang Capital1.”
[ALSO READ: Capital1 excited for new PVL era with Bella Belen, coach Jorge de Brito at the helm]
Belen also acknowledged that transitioning from the collegiate to the professional ranks will come with adjustments, especially when it comes to building chemistry with her new teammates.
With the Solar Spikers, Belen will get to team up with the likes of Leila Cruz, Roma Mae Doromal, Pia Abbu, and Iris Tolenada.
“Siguro ang expectation ko lang sa sarili ko is kung paano ako maga-adjust sa team and sa teammates ko,” the National University standout explained.
“Ibang level na din 'yung pro, iba na 'yung level of competition, grabe na 'yung mga players—talagang magagaling, so I'm very excited talaga kung ano 'yung puwede ko pang matutunan,” she added.
With Capital1 banking on her as a franchise cornerstone and the league watching closely, all eyes are now on how the UAAP star will translate her dominance to the PVL stage.
(With reports from Mei-Lin Lozada)