Former Ateneo Blue Eagles’ AC Miner during the PVL Rookie Draft Combine. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — After proving her versatility in her final year with the Ateneo Blue Eagles, AC Miner took a leap of faith and threw her name in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft.

Miner, a middle blocker who showed her potential as an opposite hitter in the UAAP Season 87, was among the 51 aspirants on the first day of the Draft Combine that featured drills, anthropometric measurements, medical tests, media training, and a rookie contract seminar at Paco Arena.

 FULL LIST: 2025 PVL Rookie Draft Aspirants

“One of the biggest things I gained this season was confidence, especially playing as an opposite. That confidence is really the only thing holding me back from joining the draft before,” Miner told the reporters in Filipino. “But now, I believe I can keep improving at the next level in my volleyball career, both in my skills and overall growth.”

Ateneo star AC Miner is ready to step out of her comfort zone in the #PVLDraft2025 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/2N3CRcoHm4

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) May 30, 2025

The Ateneo middle blocker, who declared for the draft with batchmate Lyann De Guzman, only listed the middle blocker position on her application but she is open to playing opposite in case the team that selects her wants her to be a spiker.

“I’m really looking forward to learning more with whichever team I end up on. Not just improving on the court, but also growing as a person off the court,” Miner said.

READ: UAAP volleyball: AC Miner’s block party fueled by desire to keep Ateneo alive

After showing her strong hits and steady blocking, Miner is projected to be a lottery pick in this year’s talent-rich draft pool led by three-time UAAP MVP Bella Belen.

“I’m really thankful to the people, who believe that  I have what it takes to show my skills during the draft and with the team I’ll join. I’m super grateful that they see me as a top pick this year, especially with how heavy-loaded this draft is,” she said.

Despite entering the new chapter in her career, Miner is confident that the Ateneo holdovers under coach Sergio Veloso will continue to do everything to bring back the contender status of the Blue Eagles. 

“Along with the incoming rookies. I believe they’ll do great under Coach Sergio and with everyone working together. We left the team in a good place, and there’s solid teamwork between the players and coaches,” she said.