MANILA, Philippines — Adamson emerged as a hotbed in the inaugural PVL Rookie Draft last year, with all seven players getting selected and thriving in their respective teams across past conferences.

ZUS Coffee’s second-round pick Shar Ancheta and Cignal’s Ishie Lalongisip, who was selected seventh overall, became the league’s first Rookies of the Conference in the Reinforced and All-Filipino tournaments, respectively. Angelica Alcantara, Lucille Almonte, and Karen Verdeflor also earned starting roles with their squads.

Following their school’s historic showing, May Ann Nuique and Ayesha Juegos hope to follow in the footsteps of their fellow Lady Falcons in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft on Sunday at Novotel.

“Since last year, all of our ates got drafted, so we just want to follow in their footsteps. Hopefully, all of us from Adamson here will get picked, too,” said Nuique in Filipino. “We want to grow in a different environment. At the same time, we now have the confidence to explore life beyond our collegiate careers.”

Nuique, along with Juegos and higher batchmates May Roque, Julea Dawn Lopena, Aliah Marce, and Kylene Villegas, are all aiming to join the pro ranks.

Former Adamson Lady Falcons’ Ayesha Juegos. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“We were inspired seeing all of them get drafted. It was a big confidence boost. Now that we’re trying too, we hope to achieve the same goal as our ates,” said Juegos.

Juegos is also eager to step out of her comfort zone after spending both high school and college at Adamson.

“We’ve been at Adamson since high school, so we really want to step out of our comfort zone and grow as players. We want to improve ourselves and our skills even more,” she said.

Nuique and Juegos were key contributors for the Shaina Nitura-led Lady Falcons in UAAP Season 87, where they finished fifth with a 6-8 record.

Now ready to join their fellow Adamson products in the pros, the duo is bringing with them the traits that defined their collegiate journey.

“What we’re bringing with us is the courage and determination of our teammates. That strength, along with everything our coaches taught us, will stay with us wherever we go,” said Nuique.

“One big lesson from Season 87 is to always show up, no matter what you’re feeling. When you show up, you gain a lot not just for yourself but for your team too,” Juegos added.