Former UST Tigresses’ Pia Abbu during the PVL Rookie Draft Combine. —MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — It was a hard decision for Pia Abbu bid University of Santo Tomas goodbye, but she felt it was time for her to take the next step.
Abbu is one of the 57 draft aspirants hoping to get their names called in the by entering the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft on Sunday at Novotel.
“It was tough, of course. I’ve been with UST for a long time. My teammates and coaches, they’ve 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 told the reporters in Filipino during the combine last week at Paco Arena.
The College of Tourism and Hospitality Management graduating student is part of a stacked draft class led by three-time UAAP MVP Bella Belen along with several middle blockers like AC Miner, Jean Asis, Riza Nogales, Erin Pangilinan, Sheena Toring, and Nica Celis.
It may look daunting, but Abbu is not pressuring herself and simply enjoying the process as she chases her dream to play in the PVL.
“Right now, I’m just enjoying the process. If the opportunity comes, I’ll be grateful,” she said.
The 22-year-old middle blocker is bringing the character she molded during her stay in the Tigresses’ lair to the table.
“I bring grit and leadership, qualities I developed at UST. I’m also always open to whatever role a team gives me. I’ll embrace it and be willing to learn and grow from it,” Abbu said.
Abbu admitted she is going to miss the UAAP after competing there from high school to college, but she promises to translate that experience to the professional ranks.
“Definitely the experience. There’s nothing quite like playing in the UAAP, and I know I’ll carry that with me as I move up to a higher level like the PVL,” she said.
Abbu is also backed by a supportive UST community including her coaches, teammates, and even former Tigresses, who are already playing in the PVL.
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“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,” she said.