Manila: Two-time UAAP Best Setter Camilla Lamina of National University and two-time UAAP Best Libero Bernadett Pepito of the University of Santo Tomas lead 38 players in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft set on Wednesday at Novotel Manila Araneta City. The ceremony starting at 7 p.m. will air on One Sports, One Sports+ and Pilipinas Live.
According to Philippines News Agency, the final draft pool also includes Adamson University's Barbie Jamili and University of the East's Khy Cepada. Both delivered notable performances at the Draft Combine conducted by Valor Performance Institute. Jamili excelled in several categories, including the 10-meter sprint with a time of 1.759 seconds, the pro agility 5-10-5 test at 5.109 seconds, and the hop test reactive strength index with 3.36 meters per second. Cepada ranked second in the 10-meter sprint (1.776 seconds) and countermovement jump (44.7 centimeters), third in the pro agility 5-10-5 test (5.133 seconds), and fifth in both the hop test reactive strength index (2.28 meters per second) and approach jump (295 centimeters).
Far Eastern University's Tin Ubaldo will not attend the draft as she remains with the Alas Pilipinas Women pool preparing for the Asian Volleyball Confederation Women's Cup scheduled June 6 to 14 in Candon City, Ilocos Sur. Other UAAP standouts in the draft pool include UST's Jonna Perdido and Xyza Gula; UP's Irah Jaboneta, Joan Monares, Heart Magsombol, and Jum Gayo; FEU's Ann Asis and Florize Papa; and De La Salle University's Ela Raagas, Michelle Beterina, and Sophia Sindayen, among others.
Jade Fuentes of Cal State Dominguez Hills is the only Filipino-foreign applicant in this year's draft class. Completing the pool are players from Letran, Jose Rizal University, Lyceum of the Philippines University, Mapºa University, San Beda University, San Sebastian College-Recoletos, University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, University of Nueva Caceres, University of San Carlos, Immaculada Concepcion College, and Polytechnic University of the Philippines.
Players who withdrew from this year's draft will need to reapply and undergo the draft process again next year, as they will not be classified as free agents. The PVL, as a professional league, does not allow amateur players to compete under special guest licenses, adhering to regulations set by the Games and Amusements Board.
Galeries Tower holds the No. 1 overall pick after success in the draft lottery held on May 25. It will be followed by Capital1, Choco Mucho, and Akari. The remainder of the first-round order consists of Nxled, Farm Fresh, PLDT, and Creamline. Teams that opt to pass on their selection will forfeit all remaining picks in the draft.
