The UAAP has long served as a “feeder league” for the Premier Volleyball League, producing many of the country’s top professional volleyball players. Today, we’ll look at four outstanding collegiate players who have successfully made the jump to the pros. 

Alyssa Valdez 

Arguably the face of Philippine volleyball, 32-year-old Alyssa Valdez is one of the Premier Volleyball League’s pioneers when it transitioned from the Shakey’s V-League. Before the PVL, she was part of the Ateneo team that gave the Lady Eagles their first-ever UAAP women’s volleyball championship and back-to-back crowns. Her stint with Ateneo also gave her multiple MVP awards. 

As a pro, the outside hitter is part of the inaugural Creamline Cool Smashers, helping establish the team as a volleyball dynasty with 11 championships to date. And, just like her time at Ateneo, she has won multiple MVPs with Creamline. She is currently the Cool Smashers’ captain and is widely regarded as a mentor and “big sister” to many of her younger teammates. 

Mika Reyes 

Mika Reyes, 32, played for the DLSU Lady Spikers and was part of the fierce DLSU-Ateneo rivalry during the 2010s, often facing Ateneo’s Alyssa Valdez. And while Alyssa Valdez’s Ateneo denied Reyes’ DLSU’s attempt at a three-peat, they did manage three championships by the end of her UAAP stint. 

Although she joined the PVL in 2022, she already had a seasoned professional career. This gave her the experience to become one of PLDT’s key players. In fact, she helped give the High Speed Hitters the inaugural PVL On Tour championship, while also earning a Finals MVP. Today, she remains one of the best middle blockers in the league. 

 

Trisha Tubu 

Twenty-four-year-old Farm Fresh Foxies opposite striker Trisha Tubu is known for her powerful attacks and high-volume scoring. She made a career-high 33 points during a game against the Galeries Tower Highrisers, earning the nickname “Tubu-lence” among fans. This led to her being awarded the PVL Season MVP in May 2026. 

As a collegiate player, she helped the Adamson Lady Falcons reach UAAP’s final four for the first time in almost a decade. This run included sweeping previously unbeaten UST Golden Tigresses, ultimately finishing as semifinalists. Notably, Trisha opted to turn pro early to help her then-ailing father. For this, she’s often considered an inspiration, apart from her impressive striking. 

Bella Belen 

At 23, Bella Belen is one of the youngest stars in the PVL and one of the most decorated. She became the first player in UAAP history to win Rookie of the Year and MVP during her time with the NU Lady Bulldogs. She won three MVPs by the time she turned pro, a record she shares with only three other players. She also helped NU win its first volleyball championship since 1957, eventually winning two more. 

These achievements made her the PVL’s number one draft pick in 2025, when she was selected by the Capital1 Solar Spikers. She ended her first season in the PVL winning Rookie of the Year, 1st Best Outside Spiker, and the All-Star Game MVP. With so many accomplishments at this early stage of her career, the sky’s the limit for this young lady. 

The PVL’s future looks bright. 

The recent PVL draft shows that the UAAP continues to produce future volleyball stars. One intriguing player is No. 2 draft choice and UST Golden Tigress libero Detdet Pepito. She’s now the teammate of childhood teammate and friend Bella Belen at Capital1. Ms. Pepito and other collegiate players of her caliber promise to keep the league exciting.