Nica Celis is still in disbelief after being selected by Creamline in the PVL Rookie Draft

The second Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft was held on Sunday, June 8, at the Novotel Manila hotel in Quezon City, amid great fanfare and high expectations for the 60 draft applicants.

While University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) standout Bella Belen was selected as the first overall pick by the Capital1 Solar Spikers in an expected move, one of the most heartwarming moments came when PVL powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers selected University of the Philippines captain Nica Celis as the 23rd overall pick.

Celis revealed she was still in disbelief after being selected by the PVL’s most successful franchise.

WONDER WOMAN IS COOL 💗

Nica Celis of the University of the Philippines will boost the Creamline Cool Smashers with her grit and leadership as the 23rd overall pick in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft!#PVLDraft2025 #PVL2025 #TheHeartOfVolleyball pic.twitter.com/XwSJ1rWvWP

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) June 8, 2025

“Honestly, I was really blank while we were waiting. When I heard my name, it felt unreal—because it was never in my mind that I would go to their team. So it’s still such an honor to be there. It’s exciting because I’m going to be surrounded by really great players, and I know I’ll learn a lot from them. I see this as an opportunity to grow,” Celis said in a media interaction.

As a middle blocker, Celis will have the opportunity to learn under the tutelage of Creamline’s star middle blockers Bea de Leon and Pangs Panaga, while also competing for championships—something the UP Fighting Maroons were unable to provide during her collegiate career.

“Just the thought of it is really thrilling, to the point that I just want to start training now. I don’t even know how to explain this feeling, but overall, it’s just pure bliss. I don’t want to promise anything—I’d rather you just watch, because I’m really striving to make a difference now,” she added.

Celis, who began her rookie year in 2019, will be aiming to make up for the lack of collegiate success by helping Creamline continue adding to their impressive trophy collection in the upcoming PVL season.

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