For more than a decade, Camilla “Lams” Lamina helped define National University’s winning culture.
Now, the decorated setter begins a new chapter after being selected first overall by Galeries Tower in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft on Wednesday night at Novotel Manila Araneta City.
The selection gives the Highrisers a proven floor leader as they continue their rebuild, adding one of the most accomplished playmakers in recent UAAP history to a roster that already features veteran setter Julia Coronel.
“For me, siyempre fulfilling kasi wow, ako ‘yung isa sa mga napili nila ng Team Galeries. It shows ‘yung trust na ako pa talaga yung napili. Very happy and very grateful,” said Lamina.
Lams Lamina and Her Championship Pedigree
The 24‑year‑old leaves the collegiate ranks with a résumé few can match. Across an 11‑year stay with National University that began in high school, Lamina collected eight championships and four Best Setter awards while establishing herself as one of the cornerstones of the Lady Bulldogs dynasty.
She also played a key role in NU’s transition season in UAAP Season 88, helping guide a younger roster back to the Finals despite the departures of Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, Erin Pangilinan, and Sheena Toring.
Now tasked with helping elevate Galeries Tower in the professional ranks, Lamina believes the same values that shaped her at NU will be her biggest contribution.
“Since I am from a champion team, which is NU, ang mabibigay ko lang at mao‑offer ko sa Galeries ay kung gaano ako ka‑competitive inside and outside the court at ‘yung hard work, discipline, at ‘yung work ethic ko,” she said.
Up for a Completely New Challenge
The move to the pro ranks also presents a new challenge for Lamina, who will now compete against some of the country’s top setters and veteran stars in the PVL.
“Of course, always ready naman ako. Pero siyempre, it will start sa how will I prepare first and how will I manage myself,” she said.
“Siyempre, pagtuntong sa PVL, iba na sila maglaro. Mga beterano na sila maglaro. Feel ko marami akong matututunan and i‑e‑embrace ko talaga yung challenge.”
Among the matchups Lamina is looking forward to most is a reunion of sorts with Bella Belen, her longtime NU teammate and the top overall pick in the 2025 draft.
After spending more than a decade on the same side of the court, the two champions will finally face each other as professionals.
“Excited kasi makakalaban ko siya, and this is our first time na magkakalaban kami after 11 or 12 years. Siyempre, iba yung feeling kasi noon magkakasama kami, ngayon magkakalaban. Tingin ko, marami ako matututunan sa kanya,” said Lamina.
For Galeries Tower, the hope is that Lamina’s leadership, championship experience, and winning mentality can help accelerate the franchise’s rise.
For Lamina, it is simply the next step in a career built on growth, competition, and winning.
