Khy Cepada knows nothing has ever come easy in her volleyball journey.
After leading University of the East through some of its most challenging seasons in the UAAP, the former Lady Warriors standout is ready to bring that same fighting spirit to the professional ranks after being selected by Capital1 in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft.
Chosen ninth overall in the second round, Cepada now finds herself joining one of the league’s most improved teams—a roster loaded with established stars and championship-caliber talent.
Rather than being intimidated by the competition, the 22-year-old outside hitter is embracing the challenge.
“Very excited po na maka-training po sa kanila, makalaro ’yung ibang teams, and ma-represent po ’yung Capital1 kasi hindi ko po talaga ini-expect na matatawag po talaga ’yung pangalan ko agad this second round. Very happy po sobra,” Cepada said after the draft on Wednesday night at Novotel Manila in Cubao.
Khy Cepada Welcomed by Idol Bella Belen
The moment became even more memorable when she was welcomed on stage by Capital1 star Bella Belen, the reigning PVL Rookie of the Year and one of Cepada’s biggest volleyball idols.
“’Yung PVL idol ko po ngayon is si Ate Bella po. Nung shine-shake ko po ’yung hand niya doon sa stage, parang sabi ko, ‘Oh my God, totoo ba ’to?’ So ’yun po, parang na-shock po talaga ako,” she shared.
“Nothing but gratitude po sa Capital1 kasi na-pick po nila ako.”
Capital1’s Strengthened Roster
Cepada joins a Solar Spikers squad that has made significant moves this offseason in its bid to become a legitimate contender.
Capital1 selected former University of Santo Tomas libero Detdet Pepito with the second overall pick and also added league standouts Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos from the disbanded Cignal Super Spikers. The roster also features Belen, team captain Pauline Gaston, co-captain Roma Mae Doromal, and Pia Abbu.
For Cepada, earning playing time in such a competitive environment will require the same resilience that carried her through her collegiate career.
“’Yun nga po ’yung palagi ko pong sinasabi: lalaban po ako. Magiging mas palaban pa po ako kasi sila ’yung kasama ko pa sa lineup, si Ate Bella, Ate Vanie, so laban pa rin,” she said.
Resilience From UAAP Days and New Chapter
That mentality became her trademark at UE, where she emerged as one of the team’s brightest performers despite the Lady Warriors’ enduring back-to-back winless campaigns.
In her final UAAP season, Cepada still managed to rank among the league’s top scorers, finishing 12th overall with 171 points built on 153 attacks, 14 aces, and 4 blocks.
Now entering a new chapter, she hopes to bring the lessons learned from those difficult years into a Capital1 squad eager to make a breakthrough in the PVL.
“Siyempre po ’yung mga na-experience ko po sa college na maganda po, ita-try ko po na dalhin po ’yun sa bago kong team,” said Cepada.
With a roster filled with proven stars and rising talents, Capital1’s climb toward contention will not be easy. But if there is one thing Cepada has learned throughout her career, it is how to keep fighting regardless of the circumstances.
