After a loaded offseason that brought two former Most Valuable Players into the fold, Capital1 is not done adding firepower, signing former Galeries Tower ace Julia Coronel on Thursday.
The Solar Spikers added former Cignal stars Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos several months ago. And they may have found the final piece in their bid to build around last year’s top overall pick Bella Belen with the signing of Coronel.
Drafted third overall in the inaugural 2024 Premier Volleyball League Draft, Coronel brings championship pedigree from De La Salle University and international experience from being part of the Alas Pilipinas program for the past three years.
(C) PVL Images
Coronel also brings leadership experience after serving as the Highrisers’ captain for the past year, giving Capital1 another steady presence as they usher in a new-look roster.
The 5-foot-9 playmaker parted ways with Galeries Tower two days ago, paving the way for her move to the Solar Spikers. There, she will have the chance to play alongside Belen and Gandler after playing with them in previous national team windows.
This also reunites her with her former Alas head coach Jorge Souza de Brito.
She will join Jasmine Nabor and Jaja Maraguinot in Capital1’s setter rotation.
The Solar Spikers will parade their new and improved roster when the league opens its landmark season against fan-favorite Choco Mucho at the newly opened SM Seaside Arena in Cebu on October 10.
