Volleyball superstar Alyssa Valdez couldn’t hide being awestruck with the quality of players selected in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League Rookie Draft held Monday night, July 8, at the Novotel in Cubao.

The Creamline Cool Smashers veteran spiker said the draft turnout showcased players with an all-around package, not only making the league more exciting but also hopeful for the future of Philippine volleyball.

“More than the talent, it’s also the physique, the height and everything and ultimately, the experience of playing not only in the collegiate level, but also in the international -- knowing the first few picks are part of the national team,” said Valdez.

“Hindi lang talaga talent, yung height nila andyan na rin and most definitely it’s the character that sets them apart,” she added.

De La Salle University and Adamson standouts led the cast of first-round selections with 6-foot-2 Lady Spikers standout Thea Gagate officially chosen as the top overall pick for ZUS Coffee.

Fellow La Sallians Leila Cruz (Capital1), Julia Coronel (Galeries Tower) and Maicah Larozza (Farm Fresh) were selected second to fourth, Adamson’s opposite hitter Lucille Almonte picked fifth (Nxled) and University of the Philippines outside spiker Steph Bustrillo chosen sixth (Akari).

Other Adamson players selected in the first round were outside hitter Ma. Rochelle Lalongisip for Cignal (No. 7), setter Angelica Alcantara for PLDT Home Fibr (No. 8), libero Karen Verdeflor for Chery Tiggo (No. 9) and opposite spiker Antonette Adolfo for Petro Gazz (No. 10).

Lorraine Pecaña, a middle blocker from Arellano, was the lone NCAA player selected in the first round for Choco Mucho, while defending champion Creamline selected Brock University opposite spiker Aleiah Torres as its No. 12 pick.

 Valdez admitted feeling goosebumps with the atmosphere at the inaugural draft and said she is confident about what is in store not only for the players and teams, but for the league in general.

“Kinikilabutan lang ako. I’m just very happy and proud for all of these girls. Ang hirap din pala ng position nila, kung ano yung nafi-feel nila during the draft,” the former national team member said.

“Parang lahat ng mga kinuha ng teams, makakatulong sa kanila this conference, so I’m excited for these players, kung ano yung mga roles na ibibigay sa kanila ng mga teams nila,” she added.

PVL President Ricky Palou also shared his excitement for what the draftees could bring in the league.

“We’re very happy. We didn’t expect it to be this successful, but everything turned out well,” he said.

He also encouraged players who weren’t selected to not give up. Palou and Valdez were actually the first people who approached and consoled the non-drafted players.

“I told them this is not the end. Pwede pa naman kayong maglaro sa PVL. Sana they don’t lose hope,” Palou said.