IRAH Jaboneta is leaving behind the uncertainty of college volleyball for a different kind of unknown.
The former University of the Philippines standout was selected fifth overall by Nxled in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft, giving her a fresh start with a rising contender following a collegiate career filled with both successes and struggles.
And even before hearing her name called on draft night, Jaboneta already had a feeling she had found the right fit.
“Before, kapag tinatanong ako ng ibang tao kung anong team ang gusto ko, talagang sagot ko lang, makuha lang ako, ok na ako. Pero a week before the draft, nakapag-training po ako sa Nxled,” she said.
“Du’n ko na-realize na malaking factor talaga ang environment sa paglalaro. Nu’ng nakapag-training po ako sa club, sobrang gaan po talaga ng pakiramdam ko kaya sobrang saya ko na sila ang kumuha sa akin.”
READ: PVL goes back to drawing board after only a third of hopefuls get drafted
That sense of relief could be exactly what the versatile talent needs, as she turns the page from her long stint as a Fighting Maroon.
Jaboneta now joins a Chameleons side that has quickly evolved from rebuilding squad to legitimate contender under coach Ettore Guidetti, surrounded by veterans and established names.
Rather than feeling intimidated, however, she senses a golden opportunity.
“Less pressure po muna sa sarili ko kasi alam ko naman na bago pa lang ako sa team. Siyempre, halos lahat ng kasama ko ay veterans kaya kung ano lang po ‘yung maibibigay ko dahil alam ko naman sa sarili ko na lagi kong binibigay yung 101-percent ko,” she said.
Jaboneta does it all
Perhaps Jaboneta's biggest selling point is her versatility.
Unlike most rookies entering the league with a fixed position, the State U product can provide value either as an outside hitter or as a libero, giving Nxled another chess piece to move around the board.
“Since dalawang position po yung nilagay ko rin, I'm just really happy na kinuha ako ni coach Ettore,” she said.
“Hindi ko man po siya gaanong kilala nu’n, pero sa sistema niya sa training, sobrang detailed. Sinasabi niya kung ano ‘yung gusto niya at kung paano pa ako mag-i-improve.”
For now, Jaboneta is leaving the decision entirely to her new club, as the unknown is no longer something to fear, but a challenge she is eager to embrace.
“Sa parehong positions, feel ko naman na ready po ako. Same as ginagawa ko sa UP, willing po akong ibigay kung saan ako kailangan basta makatulong po sa team,” she said.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
