The Unforeseen Ascent: Bella Belen’s journey from nearly-cut prospect to PVL top pick

In the highly competitive world of Philippine volleyball, where prodigies often shine from an early age, the story of Mhicaela “Bella” Belen stands as a testament to unwavering grit and a coach’s discerning eye. 

From facing the very real threat of being cut from her high school team, Belen has defied expectations, culminating in her recent landmark selection as the #1 overall pick in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft by the Capital1 Solar Spikers.

Today, Belen is a household name, a three-time UAAP MVP, a champion, and a pivotal member of Alas Pilipinas. It’s easy to assume her path to stardom was preordained. Yet, her early days painted a very different picture.

A Humble Start and Early Doubts

Bella’s volleyball journey began at the Nazareth School of National University (NU), a program renowned for churning out elite talents. Being among “big names” like Faith Nisperos and Thea Gagate was intimidating for a young Belen. In Grade 8, despite making the team lineup, playing time was scarce, and whispers of her being cut loomed large. 

“Kasi before no’n, parang may naririnig ako na tatanggalin ako,” she openly admitted. The arrival of formidable talents like Camilla Lamina and Barbie Jamili fueled her competitive fire, pushing her to declare, “Hindi ako pwedeng hindi ma-lineup. Mauunahan pa ako ng rookie.”

What set Belen apart wasn’t immediate, overwhelming talent, but a ferocious work ethic. Coach Babes, who envisioned NU-Nazareth as a junior powerhouse, saw beyond Belen’s perceived limitations. He recognized not just what she was, but what she could become – a belief that became the bedrock of her ascent.

Dominance in the Collegiate Ranks

Bella’s collegiate career with the NU Lady Bulldogs cemented her status as a generational talent. In UAAP Season 84 (2022), she made history by becoming the first-ever Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player in the women’s division, leading the Lady Bulldogs to an undefeated 16-0 season sweep and their first UAAP title in 65 years. 

Her all-around brilliance was undeniable, consistently delivering triple-doubles and showcasing her prowess in scoring, receiving, and digging.

She continued to lead the Lady Bulldogs to successive championship appearances, reclaiming the UAAP title in Season 86 and then a second consecutive title in Season 87, again earning the MVP award. 

Her three UAAP MVP titles place her in an elite circle, alongside legendary figures like Monica Aleta and Alyssa Valdez. Despite her relatively smaller stature (around 5-foot-6), Belen’s intelligence, honed skills, and exceptional court awareness allowed her to overcome any physical limitations.

The PVL beckons: A New Chapter

The transition to the professional ranks was highly anticipated, and on June 8, 2025, Bella Belen officially became the #1 overall pick in the PVL Rookie Draft, selected by the Capital1 Solar Spikers. 

This monumental moment came even as she was representing Alas Pilipinas in the AVC Women’s Nations Cup, highlighting her dual commitments and unwavering dedication.

Capital1’s decision to pick Belen, while widely expected, still carried immense weight. Team owners expressed their excitement, labeling her a “generational talent” and a “game-changer” who will usher in a new era for the franchise.

#PVLDraft2025 #PVL2025

1st overall pick- Mhicaela Belen
Capital1 Solar Spikers pic.twitter.com/PQbaYYBW9E

— Abby Toralba (@jatoralba97) June 8, 2025

Her reunion with former national team coach Jorge Souza de Brito at Capital1 further underscores the potential synergy and impact she is expected to bring.

Bella Belen’s journey from a nearly-cut prospect to a PVL top pick is more than just a sports narrative; it’s an inspiring blueprint for every aspiring athlete. It underscores that raw talent isn’t always enough, but rather, it’s the relentless pursuit of improvement, the unshakeable belief in oneself, and the guiding hand of a mentor that can transform an underdog into a bonafide superstar. 

Her story is a powerful reminder that greatness isn’t always obvious at the start, but with grit and unwavering determination, any dream is within reach.

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