Roma Mae Doromal is thrilled to play under one of the most decorated coaches in Philippine volleyball, Roger Gorayeb, after being selected by Capital1 in the inaugural Premier Volleyball League Rookie Draft.
Doromal, initially projected to go in the first round, slipped to the second round and was chosen by the Solar Spikers with the 14th overall pick last Monday at Novotel.
“Siyempre sobrang nakakakaba talaga siya and very happy talaga ako na nakuha ako and very thankful talaga ako sa Capital1 for having me and welcoming me. Yun talaga yung gustong gusto nila ko sa team nila,” said the defensive ace from Ateneo shortly after hearing her name called.
“Excited ako to be under Coach Roger [Gorayeb] and I’ve heard a lot of good feedbacks talaga from him and super open talaga ako na matuto sa kanya under sa system niya so excited ako to play under Coach Roger,” she added.
The 23-year-old libero pledged to embrace the pressure and showcase her leadership skills as she enters the next phase of her career.
Doromal is also looking forward to teaming up with Leila Cruz, the team’s second overall pick, after they battled on opposite sides of the UAAP’s fiercest rivalry during their collegiate careers.
“Ie-embrace ko siya kung paano ko inembrace yung sa Ateneo. This time, I hope na makapag-lead pa talaga ako, kami ni Leila. Super excited to play with her inside the court,” said Doromal.
(c) PVL Images
The former Ateneo captain also expressed her excitement about competing against her sister, Roma Joy, who plays for Galeries Tower.
“Exciting talaga. Alam kong hindi ‘yun magpapatalo, so syempre hindi rin ako papatalo and really ano talaga, happy ako na this time nasa isang league na kami,” she said.
Gorayeb, for his part, emphasized that Doromal is precisely what the Solar Spikers needed, especially given the team’s limited depth in the libero position.
“Kasi talagang plano ko na yung second pick ko, talagang libero yung hinahanap ko kasi para meron naman kaming kaunting choice sa libero kasi da-dalawa yung libero namin,” said Gorayeb, who capped off the draft by picking another La Salle product in Jenya Torres.
“Sa tingin namin si Doromal yung makaka-puno doon sa gap na yun.”
