UAAP standout Irah Jaboneta keen on entering 2026 PVL Draft

The Premier Volleyball League (PVL) is set to usher in a new wave of talent as it officially opens applications for the 2026 PVL Draft on Monday, April 20. With the league continuing to grow in popularity and competitiveness, this year’s draft is expected to feature a strong pool of collegiate standouts, particularly from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.

Among the most notable early entrants is Nina Ytang, the three-time UAAP Best Middle Blocker from the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons. Ytang recently confirmed her intention to take her talents to the professional ranks, marking the end of a decorated collegiate career defined by consistency and dominance at the net.

She may soon be joined by teammate Irah Jaboneta, who has also expressed a strong desire to enter the draft. Jaboneta, one of UP’s most reliable scorers in recent seasons, spoke candidly about her decision to move on from the collegiate level and embrace the next chapter of her volleyball journey.

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“It’s time to take the next step na talaga and magpa-draft. Tanda na rin’ eh. It’s time for the kids and the remaining players to show what they have got. Kasi kumbaga, ako, I have served my purpose na talaga for UP. And sana talaga nakita nila at na-appreciative nila kasi every game, hindi naman kaming lahat ng players, and alam ko kaming tatlo every game talaga binubuhos namin kung ano kaya namin,” Jaboneta said in a media interaction.

Jaboneta’s UAAP career came to a close on Sunday, April 19, following UP’s four-set loss to the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses in the Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament. Despite a spirited effort, the Fighting Maroons bowed out with a 23-25, 25-21, 25-22, 25-19 defeat, signaling the end of an era for one of the program’s key leaders.

PROUD OF HIS GIRLS!

Coach Benson Bocboc made time to show his support to the senior players of the UPWVT, Niña Ytang, Irah Jaboneta and Joan Monares!#UPFight💚❤️✊#UAAPSeason88 pic.twitter.com/TCbuTZZjNT

— UP Fight Club (@upmaroonclub) April 19, 2026

While Ytang and Jaboneta appear poised to take the leap, team captain Joan Monares remains undecided about her immediate future. The veteran setter hinted at taking time off before making a final decision on whether to pursue a professional career.

“Ako, magbe-beach muna ako. Titingnan ko kung saan ako dadalhin ng hangin,” Monares shared, suggesting a more reflective approach after years of intense collegiate competition.

Monares and Jaboneta, along with Ytang, have been instrumental in the Fighting Maroons’ rise over the past five years. The trio endured a challenging rebuilding period that saw the program transition through five different head coaches, while steadily helping restore pride and competitiveness to the UP women’s volleyball team.

Reflecting on their journey, Jaboneta emphasized the significance of their shared experience and the transformation they witnessed firsthand.

“I would say since kaming tatlo, parang same same kami nag-start, we entered UP, and we played in UP parang sabay, hindi ‘yon madali. We witnessed seeing the crowd empty coming to now, seeing the UP crowd filling up the arena. Ako, kasi masasabi ko na my chest is gonna explode kasi somehow nandoon kami nung binubuo ang UP ngayon at kung ano UP na meron ngayon,” she concluded.

As the PVL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on this new generation of UAAP standouts looking to make their mark on the professional stage. For players like Ytang and Jaboneta, the transition represents not just a career move, but the continuation of a journey that began in the collegiate ranks and now heads toward a bigger spotlight.

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