Galeries selects Julia Coronel as the third pick overall of the inaugural PVL Rookie Draft at Novotel Manila Araneta City on July 8, 2024. PVL Media Group

MANILA – When she got called in the inaugural Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft, De La Salle University's Julia Coronel breathed a sigh of relief.

The young playmaker revealed that she entered the draft proceedings unsure of her fate. However, it became all joy when she was selected by the Galeries Tower Highrisers as the number three overall pick on Monday at Novotel Manila Araneta City.

And just like any other player drafted in the event, Coronel is eager to help the improvement-seeking Galeries in the upcoming Reinforced Conference.

"I would say sobrang thankful ako kasi coming into this draft, hindi ko talaga alam kung sino ang pipili sakin," she said. "And now that I know, I’m just really happy with the team that I’m in and like I said, I’m willing to contribute to the success of the team."

The Highrisers were in 10th place when the dust settled last 2024 All-Filipino Conference with a 3-8 win-loss slate, a slightly better finish than their maiden run in the 2023 Second All-Filipino at 11th.

Meanwhile, for the La Salle setter, getting picked early alongside Thea Gagate, Leila Cruz, and Maicah Larroza is a testament of her alma mater's women's volleyball program under Coach Ramil de Jesus.

READ: Gagate goes 1st overall as La Salle players taken early in PVL Draft

READ: Thea Gagate grateful for Coach Ramil's 'blessing' ahead of PVL Draft

"It’s just a great feeling to see my fellow teammates na napili right away in this draft and I’m really hoping na they get to shine in the teams that they are in, the teams that we are all in right now," said Coronel.

"Alam naman natin ang system ni Coach Ramil [de Jesus] for how many years, proven and tested na yan, kaya it’s a great feeling to see my teammates [get drafted]..."

Just like Gagate, Coronel is also unsure when they could debut for their respective teams as Alas Pilipinas responsibilities come first.

"That, I’m not sure. But for the meantime, since it is national team season, I’m really hoping to prioritize my duties as a national team player," she said.

READ: Jia Morado-De Guzman has nothing but praise for Julia Coronel: ‘She’s been delivering well’