Away from faculty limelight, Enderun stars get their likelihood

In a draft elegance stuffed with collegiate stars from the largest universities who compete both within the NCAA or UAAP, it might be simple to brush aside lesser-known avid gamers who didn’t have the similar roughly protection all over their varsity stints.

But in spite of the percentages now not fairly of their want, there have been some who dared to dream—and noticed the ones goals come to existence.

Two of them, Enderun Colleges standouts Erika Deloria and Zenneth Perolino, now glance to turn into inspirations for different avid gamers in lesser-known techniques who wish to smash into the professional ranks.

“If you want something, you need to work hard for it. No matter how hard it might be—if it’s really your dream and passion, you will do everything to achieve it,” Deloria stated as she was the primary non-UAAP or NCAA faculty to get drafted this yr.

“So far, everything I worked for paid off and that’s also what I want other people to learn, [especially those] who feel like there’s no hope or chance to enter PVL,” the out of doors hitter stated after being decided on 20th general by way of Chery Tiggo.

There have been simplest 8 candidates who didn’t come from the rustic’s maximum prestigious faculties, with the exception of the six overseas-based hopefuls out of the 57 general applicants.

Aside from the previous Lady Titans, there used to be simplest Ivy Aquino, a center blocker out of Asian Institute of Maritime Studies, who additionally were given fortunate as she used to be picked within the 3rd spherical by way of Capital1.

“One of the reasons why we’re overthinking a lot is that we’re not part of the UAAP. However, we believe that the system that [coach Dong Dela Cruz] offered to us [is good enough],” Perolino stated as she used to be drafted by way of PLDT proper after her teammate.

Dela Cruz is part of Dante Alinsunurin’s five-peat champions National University Bulldogs training body of workers. The closest that the Enderun stalwarts have come to competing in opposition to the opposite collegiate standouts used to be within the Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association, the place they matched up in opposition to NCAA groups.

“[Not having enough] exposure is really the biggest barrier. The intensity of the game is really different when it comes to the UAAP and NCAA,” Deloria stated. “There’s a sense of pride because I was able to do this.”

“Even if we’re under the radar in terms of not having the same exposure, I think [Dela Cruz] produces good and quality players and they are also just looking for a chance to shine as well,” she added.

“I also dreamed of playing in the UAAP. It didn’t happen but I didn’t stop and the Lord gave me something better,” Perolino stated.