Khy Cepada’s journey toward realizing her long-awaited dream of joining the Premier Volleyball League has been anything but easy — yet her new beginning is shining brighter than ever.
Selected ninth overall by the Capital1 Solar Spikers in the second round of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League Rookie Draft, the former University of the East standout is thrilled to finally enter the professional ranks — especially as she now gets to share the court with her ultimate PVL idol, Rookie of the Year Bella Belen.
For Cepada, hearing her name called in the second round came as a pleasant surprise that not only marked the end of her amateur career, but also ushered in a new chapter for the 22-year-old outside hitter.
“Very excited po na maka-training po sa kanila, makalaro yung ibang teams and ma-represent po yung Capital1, kasi hindi ko po talaga ini-expect na matatawag po talaga yung pangalan ko agad this second round. Very happy po sobra,” she told reporters on Wednesday evening at Novotel Manila in Cubao.
That moment became even more special when she stepped onto the stage and was greeted by none other than Belen herself.
(C) PVL Images
“Yung PVL idol ko po ngayon is si Ate Bella po, so parang sabi ko po, hala, nung shine-shake ko po yung hand niya doon sa stage, parang sabi ko, ‘Oh my God, totoo ba ’to?’ So yun po, parang na-shock po talaga ako. Parang nothing but gratitude po sa Capital1 kasi na-pick po nila ako,” Cepada expressed.
Beyond teaming up with Belen — last year’s No. 1 overall pick — Cepada is also set to reinforce a Capital1 squad that has arguably had one of the busiest and most productive offseasons to date.
Aside from selecting Cepada and former University of Santo Tomas libero Detdet Pepito with the second overall pick, Capital1 also secured the services of league MVPs Erika Santos and Vanie Gandler from the now-defunct Cignal squad.
Rounding out the Solar Spikers’ formidable roster are newly appointed team captain Pauline Gaston, Pia Abbu, and co-captain Roma Mae Doromal.
“Yun nga po yung palagi ko pong sinasabi: lalaban po ako. Magiging mas palaban pa po ako kasi sila yung kasama ko pa sa lineup, si Ate Belle, Ate Vanie, so laban pa rin,” Cepada shared.
Cepada is no stranger to a warrior’s mentality. Before turning pro, she stood as the undisputed leader of the Lady Warriors during a difficult rebuilding phase in a highly competitive UAAP women’s volleyball field.
Despite back-to-back winless campaigns to end her collegiate career, Cepada remained a bright spot for the Jumbo Dimaculangan-mentored squad. She finished as the 12th Best Scorer with 171 points built on 153 attacks, 14 aces, and four blocks in Season 88.
Even after a challenging collegiate stretch, Cepada is eager to take the lessons she learned and carry them forward into her professional journey with Capital1, hoping to help the Solar Spikers make a breakthrough in the PVL.
“Siyempre po yung mga na-experience ko po sa college na maganda po, ita-try ko po na dalhin po yun sa bago kong team.”
