FOR perhaps the first time in her young career, Lams Lamina did not know what would be coming next.
The No. 1 selection in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft admitted the hours leading up to Wednesday night were among the most nerve-wracking she has experienced, a stark contrast to the stability she enjoyed throughout her long stay at National U.
From high school to college, Lamina spent more than a decade well within the NU system, becoming one of the cornerstones of a program that evolved into a dynasty in high school and college.
The draft, however, offered many more questions than answers.
“For me po, kinakabahan na talaga ako kasi wala talaga akong idea kung sino ang kukuha sa akin,” she shared.
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Once the proceedings were officially underway, however, the Highrisers didn't even have to use more than 10 seconds of their allotted time to submit their decision, and not long after, the Lady Bulldogs product's name was first to be called out.
“Very grateful po ako kasi isa ako sa mga pinagkatiwalaan nilang kunin sa draft,” she said.
More than the distinction of being the first overall pick, though, Lamina is embracing what it actually entails: the start of something new.
The setter now leaves behind the only volleyball culture she has ever known to join a Galeries Tower side with grand plans of establishing itself as a contender.
“Malaking lesson din ito para sa akin kasi siyempre, nasa bagong sistema at bagong kultura po ako ngayon,” she said.
Go for growth
Though top picks inevitably arrive with expectations of swift stardom, Lamina made it clear her full focus is on learning.
After all, despite her decorated collegiate resumé and national team experience, she still considers herself a rookie trying to find her place in the professional ranks.
“Marami pa naman po akong matutunan kasi first, rookie pa lang ako dito sa PVL,” she said.
“I will work professionally. I will give pa rin po yung 100-percent effort ko and yung discipline ko and work ethic ko para sa team.”
Now for the UAAP champion-turned-PVL first overall pick, it's all about proving that everything she learned during her championship-filled years in Sampaloc can help lift the Highrisers toward greater heights.
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