DETDET Pepito has not even played a single PVL game yet, but the newest Capital1 libero is already allowing herself to dream big.
Selected No. 2 overall in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft, the former University of Santo Tomas captain is not content with simply being part of the league.
READ WHO WENT WHERE: Only 11 of 38 rookie hopefuls picked in PVL Draft
“Pinapangarap ko lang makapasok dito sa PVL, and now, No. 2 pick. Pressure, pero thankful pa rin talaga kay Lord and I will try my best to help Capital1,” she said.
The selection capped a journey she began envisioning long before draft night.
As one of the country's premier young liberos at 23, Pepito entered her final year with the Golden Tigresses knowing that every match could shape her professional future. By the end of it, she had done enough to become one of the most sought-after prospects in the class.
“Super happy and grateful since last year ko sa UST talaga, isa ‘to sa mga pinaghandaan ko and dine-dedicate ko talaga ‘yung performance ko for this,” she said.
Landing with the Solar Spikers only made the moment sweeter, as she gets a chance to reunite with familiar faces in Bella Belen and Pia Abbu.
Golden Tigress' golden dream
Unlike many rookies who enter the pros hoping to quietly settle in and learn from veterans, Pepito is keeping an eye on the bigger picture.
She understands there is an adjustment period ahead, as she adapts to a new system and a new home away from España.
“Slowly muna, siyempre, kasi ‘yung chemistry ng bago kong team and ‘yung system na meron sila, kailangang ma-adapt ko muna,” she said.
But once those pieces fall into place, the ambitions become much loftier.
Capital1 has steadily assembled one of the league's most promising young cores, and Pepito wants to help turn that potential into results — something she just fell short of achieving in black-and-gold.
“Mangangarap kami, siyempre, na hopefully, sa amin din mapunta ‘yung championship,” Pepito said.
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