Ann Monares is full of gratitude for her older sister Joan, whose unwavering support and calming presence helped her endure the anxiety and uncertainty leading up to her selection in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Draft.
The former Far Eastern University libero was the first at her position to be picked, going 16th overall in the second round to Farm Fresh. It was a moment that ended a nerve-wracking wait and officially ushered her into the professional ranks.
“Sinabi ko naman po sa kanya a few days ago na sobrang nakakakaba kasi siyempre, new chapter siya,” said Ann, who needed a moment to compose herself before speaking to the media.
“Pero support naman siya sa’kin all the way, kaya thank you so much, Ate — see you sa pros next year,” she added.
For her part, Joan made it her mission to ease Ann’s nerves ahead of the big day, offering constant reminders to trust the process and the hard work she had already poured in.
The University of the Philippines standout said she just wanted to be a comforting presence for her younger sister, whom she believes ended her collegiate career on a high note with the Lady Tamaraws.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Siyempre drafting, hindi talaga maiwasan na kabahan, or parang hindi mo alam kung anong mangyayari eh — it’s out of your control,” Joan said. “Nireremind ko siya na you had a good run last UAAP, pati yung seasons even before… So I think malaking tulong naman ’yun coming into this league.
“Alam ko na kaya niya. Nakakapag-usap kami. I was there to comfort her lang — ‘Meron ’yan, may kukuha sa’yo, tiwala lang, believe in yourself.’ At this point, hindi mo na dapat dinadoubt yung sarili mo kasi you’ve done the work. Now it’s their turn — the teams — to play their part and choose the players who fit,” she added.
With the waiting game finally over, Ann is now setting her sights on proving her worth and earning her place on the Foxies’ roster.
She firmly believes that her four years at FEU have laid a strong foundation for the challenges she’ll face in the pros.
“Siguro four years ko sa FEU, madami po talagang learnings, especially merong mga iba’t ibang composition ng coaches ‘yung team namin. Each of them, parang binibigyan kami mga principle, mga values na galing sa kanila, so parang kung lahat ng ‘yun, gusto ko i-apply sa’kin going pro,” she said.
“Siguro ‘yung one thing talaga na natutunan ko is parang maging hungry sa improvement — na huwag kang mag-settle lang sa mga natutunan mo ngayon, mas lawakan mo pa ‘yung isip mo and ‘yung pag-tanggap mo sa mga puwede mong matutunan.”
