Khy Cepada admits that part of her still wanted one more season in a UE Lady Warriors jersey.
But after four years of carrying the Lady Warriors through difficult campaigns, the undersized but fearless outside spiker has decided it is time to chase a different dream by entering the 2026 PVL Draft.
Cepada said her decision ultimately came down to growth—both as a player and as a person.
“’Yung naging desisyon ko po to go pro na is para mag-grow pa po as an individual, kasi hindi po ako nasa-satisfy lang sa kung anong meron po ako. Gusto kong matuto pa po,” said Cepada during the PVL Draft Combine.
“I’m not discrediting naman po ‘yung mga natutunan ko sa UE, pero ako po kasi gusto ko pang magkaroon ng knowledge pa po sa paglalaro ng volleyball.”
Khy Cepada and Her Recto Legacy
The move closes a significant chapter for the 5-foot-6 hitter, who became one of the few bright spots for UE during two difficult UAAP campaigns.
Despite the Lady Warriors going winless in Seasons 87 and 88, Khy Cepada continued to emerge as one of the team’s leaders and most consistent performers, embodying the fighting spirit that defined her collegiate career.
Across four seasons, UE managed just four victories, but Cepada believes the challenges she endured will serve her well as she transitions to the professional ranks.
“’Yung ma-o-offer ko po sa team na magda-draft sa akin ay yung heart ko po sa paglalaro, ‘yung pagiging palaban ko. Kasi gusto ko po ma-share yung characteristic na ’yun sa team na paglalaruan ko,” she said.
“Siyempre po masakit sa akin na winless kami, pero ako po kasi gusto ko pa pong mag-learn pa kasi what if po na mag-grow pa pala ako sa pro, makakakuha pa po ako ng wins.”
A Difficult But Necessary Choice for Khy Cepada
While the decision was necessary for her career, it was far from easy.
Cepada revealed that her teammates, particularly the younger Lady Warriors, were among the biggest reasons she considered staying for one more year in Recto.
Still, she ultimately chose to pursue the dream she has long envisioned for herself.
“Siyempre po mahirap ‘yung naging desisyon kasi I really love my teammates po, lalo na po ‘yung mga bata kasi isa po sila sa naging factor kung bakit gusto ko pang mag-stay.
“Pero ngayon naman po, sinabi ko naman sa sarili ko na piliin mo naman yung pangarap mo.”
Cepada is among the 42 aspirants, hoping to turn years of perseverance at UE into the foundation for a professional volleyball career.
The 2026 PVL Draft is set for June 3, with the Galeries Tower Highrisers holding the first overall selection. The Capital1 Solar Spikers own the second pick, followed by the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, Zus Coffee Thunderbelles, Akari Chargers, Nxled Chameleons, Farm Fresh Foxies, PLDT High Speed Hitters, and Creamline Cool Smashers.
