Erin Pangilinan during the PVL Rookie Draft Combine. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–After 11 years with National University–from high school to college–Erin Pangilinan and Sheena Toring are ready to take the next step in their volleyball careers in the PVL.
Bringing the experience of a three-time UAAP champion, Pangilinan and Toring showed what they can bring to the table during the two-day combine at Paco Arena.
FULL LIST: 2025 PVL Rookie Draft Aspirants
“I think it’s really time for me to step out of my comfort zone. I’ve been with NU for 11 years, so I feel like I need a new experience and a new environment to grow even more,” said Pangilinan in Filipino. “It’s also about giving the next generation [of NU] their time. The younger players now are really talented; their skills are on another level. I think it’s their time to shine. As for me, I guess I’ve had my time.”
Former NU standout Sheena Toring during the PVL Rookie Draft Combine. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Toring, a Season 84 Best Middle Blocker, had the same reason for turning pro as Pangilinan and three-time MVP Bella Belen.
“I’m really looking forward to becoming a professional volleyball player. All these years playing volleyball, this has always been my biggest goal—to play in the PVL,” Toring said. “I’ve actually wanted to join since last year. I just wanted to grow more. But back then, our goal was to go back-to-back champions, and we achieved that. Now that I’ve graduated and have nothing left to do at NU, I felt it was time. I’m done there, so this is my next step.”
Pangilinan stressed the importance of flexibility and quick adjustment as they are set to enter a new environment for the first time after a decade, winning multiple championships during their time as the Lady Bullpups and Lady Bulldogs.
READ: UAAP: Erin Pangilinan, Sheena Toring reap rewards of NU loyalty
“With a new system and whichever team I end up with, I think what’s really important for me is to adapt quickly, since everything will be new—new system, new coach, new teammates. It’s like I’m a rookie all over again. I’m really starting fresh,” she said. “I have to stay humble. Whatever I achieved or experienced in college doesn’t matter anymore in the PVL. For me, it’s back to zero experience, zero achievements. So now, I have to work my way up again and chase the goals I want to reach.”
Toring admitted that it’s daunting to have a new team, coach, and teammates, but it’s the only way up.
“Being in the PVL will definitely be a challenge for me. I don’t really know yet how my career will go here. So for now, I just need to be patient and accept that I’m starting from scratch again,” said Toring. “Probably my championship experience, from high school to college—that’s something I can carry with me into the pros.”
The 60 hopefuls have the top middle blockers in the collegiate ranks, including AC Miner, Pia Abbu, Riza Nogales, and Jean Asis.
Pangilinan believes her edge is her versatility, as she also listed opposite hitter as her secondary position.
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“Right now, I think my edge over the other middle blockers is that I applied for two positions. I believe my flexibility is a big advantage, especially since I already have experience playing both positions in the UAAP. So I think that’s really what sets me apart,” she said.
