By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

After a successful All-Filipino Conference, the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) will return to action once again as they are set to kick off its inaugural Rookie Draft this coming July 8, 2024.

According to the announcement made by the PVL, 47 aspiring applicants made the cut in their first batch of draftees.

However, these players will still take part in the PVL Rookie Draft Combine from June 25 to June 26, 2024, to be held at the Gameville Ballpark in Sheridan, Mandaluyong.

During the combine, the 47 applicants will be undergoing several volleyball drills and tune-ups and will be also visited by the PVL teams, scouts, and management members.

Leading the pack in this year’s rookie draft is Thea Gagate, a three-time UAAP Best Middle Blocker awardee from the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers.

Fresh off a historic stint with the Alas Pilipinas women’s volleyball national team in the AVC Challenge Cup, Gagate is expected to become this year’s no. 1 pick.

Aside from Gagate, her teammate in La Salle and Alas, Julia Coronel, will also test the waters of the PVL rookie draft.

Other notable names that submitted their applications to enter the professional league are Maicah Larroza, Leila Cruz, Roma Mae Doromal, Lucille Almonte, Pierre Abellana, Jewel Encarnacion, Karen Verdeflor, Ishie Lalongisip, and Steph Bustrillo.

For the draft pick order, the PVL is yet to release the official list, but the same as any professional league draft format, teams that finished below the standings will have a higher chance to bag the first pick.

This means that Strong Group Athletics will have the highest chance to land the first lottery pick due to their last-place finish during the All-Filipino Conference.