Grateful for the opportunity, Enderun College standouts Erika Deloria and Zenneth Perolino are ready to make their mark in the PVL after being selected 20th and 21st in the Rookie Draft.
Two players from Enderun Colleges made history in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft, proving that talent outside the usual collegiate powerhouses can also make the jump to the professional level.
Erika Deloria became the first non-UAAP or NCAA player selected in the loaded draft, going 20th overall to the Chery Tiggo Crossovers. A spot later, Zenneth Perolino was picked 21st by the PLDT High Speed Hitters.
Deloria said she’s proud to represent players from lesser-known programs.
“Unang-una, thank you Lord kasi na-draft talaga,” said Deloria. “Gusto ko talagang maging inspirasyon sa mga tao na feeling nila dahil ‘di kami kilala, wala ng chance. Hindi madali ‘yung journey, pero kung gusto mo talaga, gagawin mo lahat."
While acknowledging the level of competition in the UAAP and NCAA, Deloria said she’s motivated to close the gap through effort and growth.
“‘Yung level ng laro sa UAAP at NCAA, mataas talaga. Pero kahit nasa baba ako, willing ako mag-trabaho para umabot sa taas. Kahit gaano pa kahirap, kakayanin ko.”
Perolino shared the same mindset, pointing to their experience at Enderun under coach Dong Dela Cruz, who is also part of the NU Bulldogs’ coaching staff, as a strong foundation.
The team’s system, she noted, mirrors those of top-tier programs.
“The system we have is also the system that the NU men's has and Choco Mucho, which has been proven and tested,” said Perolino. “Beyond the fear, we also have high faith in ourselves, to God, and also to the training that we've been doing with the Enderun coaches.”
Now set to join a star-studded middle blocker rotation at PLDT, Perolino said she’s eager to keep improving.
“Now that I will hopefully get to play with them, I wanted to learn more and to really tapatan man kung ano 'yung nagi-give nila sa PLDT in return,” she said.
Though still relatively under the radar, Deloria and Perolino now carry the banner for players from smaller schools, hoping to prove that with hard work and belief, the pro dream is still within reach.