Draft day payoff: Five big winners from 2025 PVL Rookie Draft

The 2025 PVL Rookie Draft was filled with surprises, bold picks, and major talent upgrades across the board.

While all 12 teams made solid moves, a few stood out for how they addressed key needs and boosted their future outlook.

Here are five of the biggest winners from this year’s draft:

1. Alohi Robins-Hardy

Amid all the drama surrounding her entry, Alohi Robins-Hardy will finally get to play in the PVL and with the Farm Fresh Foxies, the team that signed her during last year’s offseason.

The Foxies nabbed the 6-foot-2 Fil-Hawaiian setter with the no. 3 pick, securing one of the most versatile and experienced players in the pool.

With pro stints in the U.S., France, and the Philippines, Robins-Hardy brings size, vision, and maturity to a team still in search of its first major breakthrough.

[ALSO READ: Alohi Robins-Hardy relieved as long-winding saga with Farm Fresh ends in PVL Draft]

2. Capital1 Solar Spikers

The Solar Spikers made the biggest splash by using their top overall pick on none other than Bella Belen. The three-time UAAP MVP is a franchise-changer who instantly gives the Solar Spikers a go-to scorer and fan favorite.

Capital1 also selected UST middle blocker Pia Abbu and Ivy Aquino from the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies, who are expected to be major pieces under new head coach Jorge de Brito.

[ALSO READ: Capital1 excited for new PVL era with Bella Belen, coach Jorge de Brito at the helm]

3. ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles

Head coach Jerry Yee was surely happy with the Thunderbelles’ draft selections last Sunday, selecting AC Miner at No. 5, followed by Mycah Go at No. 17, Riza Nogales at No. 25, and Mary Angela Jackson at No. 28.

Miner and Nogales’ arrival comes on the heels of Rookie of the Year Thea Gagate’s impact season, giving the Thunderbelles a loaded middle blocker rotation.

Go is also expected to be a major piece, having been under Yee’s system already in CSB, while Jackson will be a project player for ZUS Coffee in the conferences to come.

4. PLDT High Speed Hitters

The High Speed Hitters quietly had one of the smartest drafts.

PLDT landed Alleiah Malaluan at no. 9, an outside hitter with solid all-around skills and a championship pedigree. Then, at no. 21, they picked Zenneth Perolino—one of three players from Enderun Colleges to break through as non-UAAP/NCAA draftees.

[ALSO READ: Alleiah Malaluan eager to renew La Salle ‘sisterhood’ in PVL with PLDT High Speed Hitters]

With a loaded veteran core, these rookies won’t be rushed but will have every opportunity to develop under head coach Rald Ricafort.

5. The DLSU Lady Spikers program

No, La Salle isn’t a PVL team—but the Lady Spikers may as well be considered a pipeline after this year’s draft.

Four of their products were picked: Jyne Soreno (Chery Tiggo), Malaluan (PLDT), Julyana Tolentino (Petro Gazz), and Jessa Ordiales (Cignal).

It’s yet another reminder of the depth and consistency of coach Ramil De Jesus’ system in producing PVL-ready talent.

Honorable Mention

Choco Mucho Flying Titans

The Flying Titans addressed a rather long-standing need at setter by selecting Tia Andaya with the No. 7 pick. The Fil-Am playmakers brings leadership, a calm presence, and familiarity with high-pressure matches from her NCAA Division I days.

Andaya is expected to develop futher under Dante Alinsunurin’s current system and potentially take the reins in the near future.

[ALSO READ: Tia Andaya embraces playing for PVL fan favorite Choco Mucho: ‘It’s going to be super fun’]

From breakout draftees to franchise-defining moves, the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft set the stage for an even more competitive season, and these teams and individuals came out of it in a strong position.