THE 2026 PVL Rookie Draft will feature the smallest applicant pool in the event’s brief history, but the star power remains undeniable.
A total of 41 players made the final draft list released by the league ahead of the June 3 draft, bannered by presumptive top overall pick Alyssa Solomon.
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The number marks a dip from the previous two years, with 47 of 50 applicants making the final draft list in 2024 and 57 of 60 aspirants qualifying in 2025.
Still, this year’s class remains loaded with notable collegiate talent and proven winners from both the UAAP and NCAA.
Leading the way is Solomon, the former National University star who recently wrapped up a stint in Japan’s SV.League with Osaka Marvelous.
The 6-foot-1 opposite hitter played 30 games overseas and produced 147 points while helping Osaka Marvelous reach the finals, further strengthening her case as the likely No. 1 pick.
Joining her in the draft are fellow decorated National U standout and two-time UAAP Best Setter Lams Lamina, UST libero Detdet Pepito, and UP middle blocker Nina Ytang, the first four-time UAAP Best Middle Blocker in league history.
Former UST scorers Jonna Perdido and Xyza Gula also headline the wing spikers entering the pros alongside UP’s Irah Jaboneta, Joan Monares, Heart Magsombol, and Jum Gayo.
Far Eastern University contributes Tin Ubaldo, Ann Asis, and Florize Papa, while La Salle sends Ela Raagas, Michelle Beterina, and Sophia Sindayen into the draft pool.
Also included are UE’s KC Cepada, Tin Ecalla, and Kayce Balingit, Adamson’s Barbie Jamili, and Ateneo setter Taks Fujimoto.
Fil-foreign spiker Jade Fuentes of Cal State Dominguez Hills also joins the class after previously suiting up for La Salle before continuing her collegiate career in the United States.
More talents join the pool
The NCAA contingent is led by Letran trio Lara Mae Silva, Natalie Estreller, and Julienne Castro alongside San Sebastian standouts Katherine Santos, Christina Marasigan, and Kristine Dionisio.
JRU’s Marianne Alona and Gayle Batara, Lyceum’s Johna Dolorito and Janeth Tulang, Mapua’s Grace Cabadin and Alyanna Ong, San Beda’s Erin Navarro, and Perpetual’s Fianne Ariola also made the cut.
Provincial standouts Kirsty Destajo of UNC-Sorsogon and Angel Galinato of the University of San Carlos likewise earned spots in the final pool.
Applicants are set to participate in the mandatory Rookie Draft Combine from May 28 to 29 at Gameville Ballpark in Mandaluyong City before the June 3 draft.
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