Already a top prospect after bidding farewell to National University last year, Alyssa Solomon is ready to enter the Premier Volleyball League not only as a champion player, but also as one enriched by international experience.
Solomon played for the Osaka Marvelous in the Japan SV.League during the 2025-26 season, further honing her skills in one of the world’s top volleyball countries.
The 24-year-old opposite spiker maximized her stint with Osaka, tallying 147 points in 30 games while helping the team secure a silver-medal finish in Japan’s top-level competition.
Those experiences are what Solomon hopes to bring to the lucky team that will select her in the 2026 PVL Draft on June 3.
“Ibibigay ko lang talaga kung ano ‘yung meron na natutunan ko from Japan. All-out lang talaga sa daily and sa game. ‘Yun lang po,” said Solomon on Thursday during Day 1 of the Draft Combine held at the Gameville Ball Park in Mandaluyong.
“Ay, sobrang daming learnings. Kung paano talaga magtrabaho ‘yung mga Japanese, makikita mo kung paano nila ihagis ‘yung katawan nila sa floor. Hindi talaga nila hinahayaan na bumagsak ‘yung bola,” she continued.
“Dahil doon parang na-inspire ako na kaya ko rin naman siguro ‘yun. More on hard work talaga yung masaya ko na experience doon.”
(C) PVL Images
Because of her no-nonsense experience in Japan, coupled with her towering presence and championship pedigree in the UAAP, Solomon is widely viewed as the consensus top overall pick in the upcoming draft.
Galeries Tower won the first overall pick during last Monday’s Draft Lottery, followed by Capital1, Choco Mucho, and ZUS Coffee in that order.
Akari will pick fifth, followed by Nxled, Farm Fresh, PLDT, and Creamline. The second-round order will be based on the teams’ weighted standings from last season.
Solomon is embracing the challenge of taking on a major role in a rebuilding team, with the Highrisers expected to strongly consider her as the cornerstone of their franchise.
“For me, parang wala pa rin talagang expectation sa anong mangyayari. So, siguro if ever na mapunta ako sa team, ibibigay ko lang talaga kung ano ‘yung natutunan ko sa Japan. And siguro matutulungan kami, and mag-enjoy lang,” said Solomon.
“Actually, mas masayang manalo kapag nasa ganoon kang posisyon, kasi alam mong pinaghihirapan ng team. So, ayun, excited ako na mangyari siguro ‘yun, if ever.”
