THE PREMIER Volleyball League is set to make history with its first-ever rookie draft on July 8, featuring a 47-player lineup brimming with talent from various universities and even international locations.

Leading the draft are key players from De La Salle University, including middle blockers Thea Gagate and Leila Cruz, setter Julia Coronel, and outside hitter Maicah Larroza.

Although 50 applicants initially met the June 12 deadline, the PVL announced on Saturday (15 June 2024) that the roster has been refined to 47 after thorough screening and deliberation.

Highlighted in this impressive pool are notable names such as opposite spiker Pierre Abellana from UAAP runner-up University of Santo Tomas, along with Adamson University’s outside hitters Lucille Almonte and Ishie Lalongisip. Other standout athletes include opposite spiker AA Adolfo, setters Nikka Yandoc and Angge Alcantara, libero Karen Verdeflor, and middle blocker Sharya Ancheta.

The draft also features University of the Philippines’ outside hitters Abi Goc and Jewel Encarnacion, and opposite spiker Stephanie Bustrillo. Representing the University of the East are opposite spiker Dara Nieva and liberos Jenina Zeta and Dea Villamor. Ateneo de Manila University’s libero Roma Mae Doromal, and US-based Filipinos Aleiah Torres from Brock University and Nathalie Ramacula from Red River College Polytechnic are also vying for spots.

Other contenders include Daisy Melendres and Bay Anne de Leon from Letran; Dodee Batindaan, Robbie Mae Matawaran, Lorraine Pecana, Donnalyn Paralejas, and Charmina Dino from Arellano; Catherine Almazan from Emilio Aguinaldo College; Camille Belaro from Lyceum; Maxinne Tayag and Lalaine Arizapa from San Beda; Jewelle Bermillo from San Sebastian; and Razel Aldea and Sandra Dayao from Perpetual Help.

The draft’s lineup further includes Lovely Zapf and Lian Macasiray from La Salle-Dasmariñas, Andrea Jardio from Lyceum-Alabang, Jamie Solina from Marinduque State, Danya Casino from Trinity, and Danivah Aying from the University of San Jose–Recoletos.

Rounding out the list are former La Salle training pool players Caroline Santos, Ysabela Bakabak, and Giliana Torres, along with former UST Tigress Mary Grace Vernaiz, former National University (NU) Lady Bulldog CJ Evangelista, and former UE Lady Warrior Remcel Santos.

A draft lottery, determining the order of picks for the 9th to 12th placers (Farm Fresh, Galeries Tower Capital1, and Zus Coffee, formerly Strong Group Athletics) from the All-Filipino Conference, will be broadcast live on “The Starting Lineup” on RPTV and Pilipinas Live on June 24. Following them in the draft sequence are Nxled (5th), Akari (6th), Cignal (7th), PLDT (8th), Chery Tiggo (9th), Petro Gazz (10th), Choco Mucho (11th), and All-Filipino champion Creamline (12th).

The rookies and free agents will participate in a Draft Combine on June 25 and 26 at Gameville Ballpark in Mandaluyong. This event will include interviews, physical measurements, medical evaluations, skills assessments, and scrimmages, providing a comprehensive assessment of each athlete’s potential.