UAAP standout Pia Abbu banking on her grit and leadership after entering the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft

The second Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft is scheduled to take place on Sunday, June 8, at Novotel with 57 aspirants entering their name in the draft with the hope of being selected by one of the PVL teams.

University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) standout Pia Abbu is one among the 57 aspirants who have entered their name in the draft in the hopes of making it to the PVL. The young star made the tough decision of bidding farewell to the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in order to turn professional.

“It was tough, of course. I have been with UST for a long time. My teammates and coaches, they have been a huge part of my life. But I know I need to grow and stepping out of my comfort zone is part of that growth,” Abbu said to reporters during the two-day Draft Combine at the Paco Arena.

🗣️Riza Nogales 🛡️ on Pia Abbu 🐯:

“Ang underrated sa kanila [UST] ay si Pia Abbu. As an MB nagagalingan ako sa kanya kasi ang bilis niya and palo niya zero tempo. Tapos natatakpan pa ng eyelashes niya yung kamay niya pag napalo kaya di ko talaga siya mahuli.” pic.twitter.com/7C9woDNpLV

— Gus (@ghouste_) May 3, 2025

Abbu is part of a draft class that is stacked with UAAP superstars including three-time UAAP Most Valuable Player (MVP) Bella Belen, AC Miner, Jean Asis, Riza Nogales, Erin Pangilinan, Sheena Toring, and Nica Celis, among others. Despite the competition among middle blockers, Abbu is confident of bringing the skills that she learnt during her time at UST.

“Right now, I’m just enjoying the process. If the opportunity comes, I will be grateful. I bring grit and leadership, qualities I developed at UST. I’m also always open to whatever role a team gives me. I will embrace it and be willing to learn and grow from it,” she added.

The middle blocker admits that she will miss playing for UST and was grateful for the support she has received from the UST community, including her coaches, teammates and former UST players who are currently playing in the PVL.

“Definitely the experience. There’s nothing quite like playing in the UAAP, and I know I will carry that with me as I move up to a higher level like the PVL. They told me to just enjoy the whole process of going pro. Be open to learning – don’t limit yourself because there’s still so much more to learn, especially in a more competitive league like the PVL,” Abbu concluded.

It will be intriguing to see which team selects Abbu, as she is highly rated among the Philippine volleyball circles.

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