Erin Pangilinan joins Cignal after being picked by the HD Spikers during the PVL Rookie Draft 2025. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Erin Pangilinan is ready to step out of her comfort zone at National University, seeking to grow under coach Shaq Delos Santos at Cignal.

Pangilinan, a three-time UAAP champion, starts a new chapter with the HD Spikers as the sixth overall pick of the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft on Sunday night at Novotel.

HIGHLIGHTS:  2025 PVL Rookie Draft

“It’s exciting for me because there’s still so much room for growth and learning. I’m really looking forward to everything I can still learn from Coach Shaq,” said Pangilinan in Filipino.

The 5-foot-6 middle blocker is also looking forward to joining former NU players Rose Doria-Aquino and Jackie Acuña in Cignal’s frontline.

“Right now, I’m definitely feeling nervous—especially since we’re now on the other side. But with Cignal, I really believe I’ll improve a lot, especially being surrounded by veterans like Ate Jackie, Ate Doria, and the rest of the team. I think the future looks really bright for me with Cignal,” she said.

Delos Santos likes his rookies, also drafting Jessa Ordiales from La Salle to join newcomers Tin Tiamzon, Erika Santos, Heather Guino-o, and Ethan Arce.

READ: UAAP: Erin Pangilinan, Sheena Toring reap rewards of NU loyalty

“We’re super happy because they were really the players we had our eyes on—and luckily, we got them. Both of them will be a huge help to our team,” said the Cignal coach in Filipino.

“I know people are thinking, ‘They’re both middles,’ but they can actually play other positions too. So hopefully, we’ll be able to maximize their versatility.”

Pangilinan vows to scratch the surface of her full potential in the PVL.

“I think the biggest thing I’ll bring is hard work. No one starts at the top—so it’s really about learning how to grind, stay disciplined, and put in the work. That’s something I’ll definitely carry with me to Cignal,” she said.