PVL President Ricky Palou encourages UAAP standout Alyssa Solomon to pursue playing opportunities abroad

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) standout Alyssa Solomon has established herself as one of the best young players in the country, as evidenced by her exploits with the National University Lady Bulldogs.

Unlike other UAAP standouts, Solomon decided not to enter her name in the upcoming 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft in order to focus on her commitments with Alas Pilipinas, while also exploring opportunities to play professional volleyball overseas.

PVL president Ricky Palou spoke about Solomon’s decision to skip the Rookie Draft, explaining that the 23-year-old remains committed to performing well for Alas Pilipinas while pursuing international playing opportunities. Palou, who also serves as Vice President of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) and Chairman of its National Teams Commission (NTC), has actively encouraged Filipino players to seek opportunities abroad—believing it will benefit them both professionally and financially.

MAYBE NEXT YEAR

PVL president Ricky Palou said NU star Alyssa Solomon can join next year’s Draft as she isn’t on the list this year. @TribuneSportsPh @tribunephl pic.twitter.com/XTvrJbcUnf

— Ivan Ruiz L. Suing (@tribunephl_ivan) June 3, 2025

“First of all, Alyssa Solomon did not apply for the draft. I think she is still bent on trying to play abroad. We really do not want to stop players from playing overseas. For one, it will be good for them income-wise, and secondly, it will also help them develop. When they come back, they will be able to share what they learned with the other players we have here,” Palou stated.

Palou’s stance is vastly different from that of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), the country’s national basketball league, which has accused other Asian leagues of “poaching” local players.

Notably, several top volleyball players have enjoyed successful stints abroad before returning to the PVL with improved skills and experience. The likes of Jia De Guzman, Jaja Santiago, and Maddie Madayag have played in Japan; Mylene Paat, Dindin Santiago-Manabat, and Ced Domingo in Thailand; while Iris Tolenada and MJ Phillips have seen action in South Korea.

All of the above players have benefitted immensely from their overseas stints—even the country’s volleyball icon Alyssa Valdez played in Taiwan before joining the Creamline Cool Smashers.

Palou also noted that Solomon is currently facing a three-year ban from the Korean Volleyball Federation (KOVO) after withdrawing her name from the 2024 Asian Quota Draft. However, the PNVF has appealed the decision and hopes to receive a favorable resolution that would allow her to pursue a career in South Korea.

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