MORE University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons are set to showcase their skills in the pros, with current captain Nica Celis throwing her name into the hat of the 2025 Premiere Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft.
The 5-foot-10 middle blocker helped guide State U to a promising joint fifth-place finish in the recently concluded UAAP Season 87, as they took down powerhouses FEU, National U, and La Salle en route to a 6-8 standing.
That was more than enough to triple UP's win total from the previous two years, all through a dynamic core of veterans in Celis, Joan Monares, Irah Jaboneta, and second-best middle blocker Nina Ytang, as well as talented rookies in Kianne Olango and Jaz Manguilomotan.
READ: Maroons in process of turning UP Fight into continued contention
Celis, who played her rookie year for the WVT in 2019, leaned on her valuable experience to steer the maroon-and-green to a renewed belief in themselves.
"The best lesson I learned throughout my years in UP is tibayan ang utak at puso. My stay has been very challenging talaga, but you really have to find the good in everything and make everything work out," she said.
"Before coming to UP, pangarap ko lang naman talaga mag-UAAP, and alam ko, I have to really work hard to get there."
UP Fight in PVL
If fortunate to be selected in the PVL Rookie Draft scheduled for June 7, the 23 year old will join former Fighting Maroons such as Tots Carlos, Isa Molde, Nicole Tiamzon, Jewel Encarnacion, and Steph Bustrillo in the pros.
"I know it won't be easy pagdating sa pro, but because I love what I do, I'm sure kaya ko rin i-conquer yung challenges doon," she said.
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