After deciding to forgo her remaining years at UST, Pierre Abellana is determined to transition to the Premier Volleyball League.
Pierre Abellana displayed her resolve to turn pro during the PVL Draft Combine.
The former University of Santo Tomas wing spiker stood out on some of the skill tests last Tuesday, where she performed well with 43 pushups within a minute, a 25.0-inch standing vertical jump, and a 60m shuttle run time of 14.35 seconds.
Abellana then participated in the scrimmages alongside fellow rookies and free agents on Wednesday afternoon.
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Reflecting on her performance, she admitted to feeling dissatisfied with her play. Nevertheless, she takes solace in knowing that she left everything on the court
“For Day 2, hindi ko masasabing satisfied pero I know I did my best,” Abellana shared.
Siguro mahalaga din [na maganda performance ko sa skills tests] kasi kahit hindi ko na-perform 'yung pinaka-maganda ko [sa scrimmages], siguro makikita pa rin ng coaches na kaya kong bawiin kasi physically I am fit naman.”
Abellana, despite still having years of eligibility remaining in the UAAP, decided to leave the lair of the Golden Tigresses.
Abellana had a promising start with UST in the collegiate circuit, but as more talent arrived at España, securing consistent playing time became increasingly challenging. It was then that she made the bold decision to transition to the professional scene.
The upcoming inaugural PVL draft scheduled for July 8 presents a thrilling opportunity for Abellana, one she eagerly anticipates seizing.
“Super motivated ako ngayon kasi by this time, nasa akin na kung paano ko ilalabas 'yung kakayahan ko. Excited ako at the same time,” she bared.
Abellana is fully embracing the experience as one of the 47 aspirants in this historic selection, reflecting her dedication similar to how she balanced her roles as a student-athlete at UST.
During her time there, she achieved Magna Cum Laude in Bachelor of Science in Fitness and Sports Management.
“In that aspect, 'yung mindset ko lang lagi is don't stress too much and enjoy the process of being a student-athlete. By enjoying it, na-enjoy ko 'yung pag-aaral at the same time 'yung paglalaro, so sumusunod na 'yung achievements,” Abellana shared.
Abellana has also received words of encouragement from her coaches at UST, most of whom serve as head coaches in the PVL, including Kungfu Reyes at Chery Tiggo, Shaq Delos Santos at Cignal, and Lerma Giron at Galeries Tower.
“Maglaro lang. Alam naman nila 'yung kakayahan ko daw tapos they also believe na kaya ko, so 'yun lang lagi sinasabi nila na tiwala sa sarili,” she said.
Abellana expressed her gratitude to the UST faithful for the unwavering support.
“Thankful lang din ako sa support lagi kasi kahit nung nag-graduate na ako parang sinasabi nila lagi na support pa rin sila until mag pro ako. Super thankful,” she gushed.