Aspirant Detdet Pepito during the PVL Draft Combine Day 1. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Detdet Pepito is ready to step out of her comfort zone in the Premier Volleyball League after spending the past 11 years with the University of Santo Tomas.

Pepito, who had been with UST since high school, began the road to the pros as one of the 42 aspirants in the 2026 class for the PVL Draft Night on June 3 at Novotel.

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“Honestly, I’m nervous because everything feels so different, even the faces I’m seeing now are new to me. But at the same time, I’m also really excited, especially since we’ve been able to train with different PVL teams,” Pepito told reporters after undergoing biometrics and drills on the first day of the Draft Combine at GameVille Ball Park.

Detdet Pepito on entering the PVL Draft. #PVL2026 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/QA2OEyiv0c

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“We’re getting exposed to different systems, different players, and veteran athletes. Even now, we’re already learning so much from them, so it’s been a really fun experience.”

The UST captain admitted it hasn’t been easy adjusting to life outside España Boulevard and training with professional teams.

“Honestly, it’s been really hard. Even just the training schedule is a huge adjustment because most PVL teams train in the morning. In UST, we usually finished training late at night, so my body clock was really used to that,” said Pepito.

PVL Rookie Draft Aspirants during day 1 of the Draft Combine. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

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“Now I’m trying my best to adjust to morning training and to the overall PVL system. It’s difficult, but exciting too because after almost 11 years of training at night, now I’m training in the morning. Actually, I’ve noticed I become more productive after morning training because I still have the whole afternoon to do other things.”

Still, Pepito said it’s an adjustment she is willing to embrace as she prepares for the next chapter of her career.

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“That’s really how I show my leadership and personality. I move more freely and comfortably when I can just be myself and stay playful,” she said.

“I can offer leadership. And of course, I always try to give 101 percent, whether it’s during training or in actual games.”

The two-time UAAP Best Libero is also eager to compete against and learn from some of the league’s top floor defenders, including Kath Arado of PLDT High Speed Hitters, Alyssa Eroa of ZUS Coffee, Justine Jazareno of Akari, Kyla Atienza of Creamline, and the duo of Thang Ponce and Dawn Macandili-Catindig.

“I’m super excited because before, I only watched them from afar. Now, I might actually get to compete against them. I think it’s even better because I’ll get to see firsthand how they move and play,” Pepito said. “I really want to learn from how they adjust, how they handle pressure, and bring those lessons with me so I can continue improving.”