After closing the book on a decorated 11-year run with National University, former Lady Bulldogs middle blocker Erin Pangilinan is ready to flip the page and embrace the unknown.
The 23-year-old standout is officially taking her talents to the next level, declaring for the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Draft set for Sunday, June 8.
For Pangilinan, the decision to go pro marks more than just a new chapter— it’s a bold step outside the only volleyball home she’s ever known.
“I think kasi for me, it’s time na to get out of my comfort zone, especially I’ve been with NU 11 years na,” Pangilinan told reporters during the PVL Draft Combine at Paco Arena on Friday, May 30. “I think for me, para rin sa growth ko, kailangan ko na rin ng new experience and new environment.”
Pangilinan joins a star-studded class of NU hopefuls that includes potential No. 1 overall pick Bella Belen and fellow middle blocker Sheena Toring. Together, they capped their collegiate careers with a dominant sweep of De La Salle University in the Season 87 Finals, securing NU’s third UAAP women’s volleyball crown in the last four seasons.
Before their collegiate dominance, Pangilinan was already part of the NU-Nazareth School dynasty that claimed five UAAP girls’ volleyball titles —laying the foundation of a winning culture she now hopes to pass on.
Despite her impressive résumé, Pangilinan enters the PVL humbled, determined to prove herself from the ground up.
“I have to humble myself — kung ano ‘man yung na-achieve ko nung college at kung ano ‘man yung na-experience ko sa college level ko, wala na ‘yon for me pagdating dito sa PVL,” she said. “As in zero experience at zero achievements. Back to zero ako at kailangan ko i-achieve ulit kung ano ‘man gusto ko ma-achieve.”
But even as she looks ahead, Pangilinan takes comfort in knowing that NU’s legacy is in good hands.
With co-Finals MVPs Shaira Jardio and Vange Alinsug leading the next generation — alongside Lams Lamina (who is returning for one final year), Celine Marsh, Alexa Mata, Chamy Maaya, Kaye Bombita, IC Cepada, and Arah Panique — Pangilinan is confident the Lady Bulldogs’ dynasty will remain strong.
“At siyempre, para doon sa mga susunod pa sa amin, para mabigyan pa sila lalo ng time,” she said. “Especially yung mga bata ngayon, sobrang gagaling na at yung skills nila, angat na kumbaga. I think it’s their time to shine na. Kumbaga ako, expired na ako.”
Pangilinan enters a highly competitive 2025 PVL Draft class packed with elite middle blockers, including Toring, Ateneo’s AC Miner, La Salle’s Jessa Ordiales, FEU’s Jean Asis, UST’s Pia Abbu, and UE’s Riza Nogales.
But what sets her apart? Versatility.
Pangilinan applied for two positions in the draft — not just her natural role as a middle blocker, but also as an opposite spiker, a move that could significantly boost her stock in the eyes of PVL teams.
“Sa ngayon kasi I think yung edge ko over the other middle [blockers] kasi nag-apply ako ng two positions,” she said. “And I think yung pagiging flexible ko sa position, I think ‘yon yung magiging edge ko, especially na-experience ko na rin and I’ve played two positions na rin sa mga past UAAP [stints] ko.”
Beyond her ability to wear multiple hats on the court, Pangilinan also highlighted her adaptability as a key asset — something that will prove vital as she navigates the systems and cultures of the professional ranks.
“Sa bagong system na kung kanino ‘man na team ako, I think very important for me yung mabilis ako mag-adapt, especially sa new system, new coach, at new players,” she said.
#WATCH: NU’s Erin Pangilinan says it’s time to step out of her comfort zone and give way to the next generation of Lady Bulldogs — that’s why she’s joining the #PVLDraft 🏐
📹 @jonashdcd /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/Cyy0JqGksQ
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) May 30, 2025
