PVL Rookie Draft aspirant Alleiah Malaluan from La Salle during the Draft Combine. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — La Salle star Alleiah Malaluan has decided to step out of her comfort zone as she opens the next chapter of her volleyball career in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft.
Malaluan is one of the four Lady Spikers to join the second-ever draft, following a runner-up finish after La Salle got swept by National University in the UAAP Season 87 finals.
The 22-year-old outside hitter wants to see “what’s beyond her outside La Salle.”
“I’m really excited because I will be exposed to a new environment with new people. I’m really excited for what’s to come and I’m also excited for my growth,” Malaluan told the reporters during the Draft Combine on Friday at Paco Arena.
PVL Rookie Draft aspirant Alleiah Malaluan from La Salle during the Draft Combine. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
With the teams looking to improve their respective rosters through the draft, Malaluan offers her experience with three UAAP Finals stints and a championship in Season 85 to her name.
“[I can offer] my knowledge about the sport and at the same time the experience that I had the past few years that I’m playing,” she said.
Last year’s draft, four Lady Spikers emerged as the lottery picks led by Rookie of the Year Thea Gagate, who was selected by ZUS Coffee.
La Salle star Alleiah Malaluan talks about the next chapter #PVLDraft2025 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/jEHFFWZcPO
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) May 30, 2025
Malaluan believes that all of the draftees have equal footing in the draft, and her focus is just to showcase her talent.
“I’m actually not thinking about it much because all of us here are back to zero. We all receive equal treatment. If ever I get lucky, thank you Lord but I’m not thinking about it much,” she said.
Malaluan is ready to take a leap as she begins life outside coach Ramil De Jesus’ system.
“It’s not totally an advice but he told me it will be so much different life as a pro. It’s fast-paced and challenging. I need time to adjust with it. I’m just trusting the process now,” she said.