Detdet Pepito is ready for the next challenge of her volleyball journey as she prepares to transition from the collegiate ranks to the professional stage through the PVL Rookie Draft.
After building a decorated UAAP career with the UST Golden Tigresses, Pepito said she is excited for the opportunity to compete against some of the Premier Volleyball League’s top liberos.
“Super excited ko kasi ‘yun nga noon pinapanood ko lang sila, ngayon pa kayang makakalaban ko sila,” Pepito shared during Day 1 of the PVL Draft Combine at Gameville Ball Park in Mandaluyong.
Among the veteran floor defenders Pepito hopes to test herself against are Kath Arado of the PLDT High Speed Hitters, along with Thang Ponce and Dawn Catindig of the Choco Mucho Flying Titans.
“I think better kasi mas makikita ko kung paano sila gumalaw face to face. I think ‘yung learnings sa adjustment, gano’n kung paano sila mag‑handle ng pressure, talagang kailangan kong baunin para mag‑improve,” she added.
Pepito Brings Pedigree, Leadership
Pepito enters the professional ranks as one of the most accomplished liberos in recent UAAP history, winning two Best Libero awards in the collegiate division and four more during her high school career.
Beyond her floor defense, the longtime UST captain hopes to bring the same leadership and energy that made her one of the Golden Tigresses’ emotional anchors.
“Siguro unang una po ‘yung leadership ko, of course, and ‘yung palagi ko talagang binibigay ‘yung 101 percent ko during training pa lang po and siyempre sa laro,” Pepito said.
She is part of a small libero pool in the upcoming draft alongside Jum Gayo, Irah Jaboneta, and Lara Mae Silva.
The 2026 PVL Rookie Draft is set for June 3 at Novotel Manila Araneta City, with the Galeries Tower Highrisers holding the top overall pick.
Pepito also made it clear that she has no plans to change the personality that helped define her leadership style at UST.
“Gano’n lang, gano’n ko po kasi napapakita ‘yung leadership ko and mas nagiging magaan po ‘yung galaw ko kapag nagiging ako, ‘yung sarili ko na makulit—doon ako nagiging mas effective.”
