Former La Salle setter Julia Coronel is banking on her versatility as she aims to become one of the top selections in the upcoming Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft.
Coronel, who listed the opposite position in her application, said that her ability to play two positions will serve as her biggest selling point in the inaugural draft, scheduled for July 8 at Novotel in Quezon City.
“Yes, nilagay ko din yung pagiging opposite ko, so at least whichever position ang kailanganin ako yun ang ifu-fulfill ko,” Coronel told reporters during the second day of the Draft Combine at the Gameville Ball Park in Mandaluyong City.
“Sa team na kukuha sa’kin, I’ve been saying din na I am a very versatile player. So whatever is needed of me, I am willing to fulfill that,” she added.
The 5-foot-9 playmaker stole the show on the opening day of the Combine after topping the standard vertical jump at 27.78 inches.
(C) PVL Images
She also ranked second in the vertical jump with approach and standing broad jump, with distances of 316.0 centimeters and 248.9 centimeters, respectively.
Coronel is expected to be on the board early in the first round, but she is tempering her expectations heading into the draft, taking things one step at a time.
“That I am not really sure of kasi I would say it really depends kung ano yung kailanganin nung mga unang magpi-pick na team so hoping syempre I am one of the top picks or sa may bandang kalagitnaan kung kakayanin,” said the 23-year-old Coronel.
The Colegio San Agustin alum is also asking the team that drafts her for patience as she looks to focus on her national team duties first.
Coronel, who plays backup to Jia De Guzman in Alas Pilipinas, will compete with the national team in the upcoming FIVB Challenger Cup next week and the SEA V-League next month.
“Sana mapakiusapan nga (PVL team) na priority muna national team for the time being, kasi it’s still national team period. So once that is over, that’s when I’ll be fully committed [to my PVL team],” said the young setter, who revealed that several teams have already contacted her before the draft.
