“Very honored and grateful”: Bella Belen on winning PSA Ms. Volleyball award

Widely regarded as one of the brightest stars to emerge from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, Bella Belen continues to shoulder the expectations of becoming the next face of Philippine volleyball — and potentially a cornerstone of the national team’s future on the international stage.

Belen’s journey from collegiate standout to professional sensation has been nothing short of remarkable. After dominating the UAAP with her powerful spikes, consistent court vision, and leadership skills, she wasted no time making her mark in the professional ranks. The 23-year-old was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft by the Capital1 Solar Spikers, immediately taking on the responsibility of leading a rebuilding franchise eager to establish itself as a legitimate title contender.

Since donning the Solar Spikers jersey, Belen has embraced the challenge with maturity and poise well beyond her years. Her combination of athleticism, consistency, and composure under pressure has quickly made her the focal point of the team’s offense and a fan favorite.

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Her rapid rise has not gone unnoticed. At the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Annual Awards Night, held on Monday, February 16, at the Diamond Hotel, Belen received one of the country’s most prestigious individual accolades: the Ms. Volleyball Award. The honor recognizes outstanding players who have excelled in Philippine volleyball and contributed to raising the sport’s profile nationally.

The 23-year-old admitted that she felt both honored and grateful to receive the award, especially considering the list of past winners includes some of the most accomplished players in the country.

#WATCH: VERY HONORED AND GRATEFUL 🏐

Bella Belen is honored to be part of the #PSAAwards Ms. Volleyball list, joining the ranks of Alyssa Valdez and Sisi Rondina #ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/1crNQKSarX

📹 @jonashdcd /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/eSTcjoZqxB

— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) February 17, 2026

“Very honored and grateful talaga kasi hindi ko naman po ineexpect na magkakaroon po ako ng ganitong klaseng award, kasi hindi po siya birong awards – maraming magagaling at talented na players. So, I’m very thankful sa PSA, kung sino man po ang nagboto, maraming salamat po,” Belen said.

The award celebrates her past achievements, but Belen’s current performance in the PVL proves she is not resting on her laurels. The outside hitter has been living up to the hype this conference, reaching the 20-point mark in four consecutive games, a remarkable feat that has propelled her to the top of the All-Filipino Conference scoring charts with a total of 106 points.

Trailing Belen in the scoring race are Cherry Ann Rondina of Choco Mucho Flying Titans with 73 points, followed by Chinnie Arroyo of ZUS Coffee Hitters with 67, Trisha Tubu of Farm Fresh Fightin’ Titans with 64, and Erika Mae Santos of Cignal HD Spikers with 61 — all chasing a sizable gap set by the Solar Spikers’ star.

Belen’s scoring prowess is only one part of her impact. Her leadership on the floor, ability to read opponents’ defenses, and clutch performances in critical moments have made her the heartbeat of the Solar Spikers. Coaches and analysts alike have praised her for balancing personal excellence with team responsibility, a rare quality for a player still in her early 20s.

While the PSA recognition honored her past achievements, Belen’s current PVL campaign suggests she is building something even bigger: the foundation for a long and impactful professional career, and possibly, a key role in the Philippine national team’s future on the international stage.

Looking ahead, Belen and the Solar Spikers are preparing for a critical matchup against Creamline Cool Smashers this Saturday at 4 PM at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City. With her scoring momentum and leadership, all eyes will be on Belen as she aims to extend her dominance, widen the gap atop the scoring charts, and lead her team closer to the playoffs.

For Bella Belen, the journey is far from over. From her UAAP stardom to becoming the face of a professional team and now a PSA awardee, she continues to embody the promise and potential of a new generation of Filipino volleyball stars. Every spike, every point, and every match is a step toward fulfilling the lofty expectations that come with being one of the country’s brightest young athletes.

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