Winnie Bedaña took a leap of faith—and it paid off.
Amid a draft class dominated by UAAP standouts, the 24-year-old middle blocker from the University of Perpetual Help remained steadfast in her belief that she belonged among the best. On Sunday night, her confidence was rewarded when Galeries Tower selected her as the 15th overall pick in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Rookie Draft, making her the first NCAA player to be drafted this year.
“Hindi ako nawalan ng tiwala na makakapasok ako dito kasi yun nga po, may galing na rin po sa NCAA na nakikita ko like Lorraine Pecaña and feeling ko rin magagawa ko rin yung mga nagawa niya,” said Bedaña, who became emotional after hearing her name called inside the Novotel Manila ballroom.
For Bedaña, seeing someone carve a path from the NCAA to the professional stage was more than just inspiring—it was proof of possibility. That someone was Lorraine Pecaña, the Arellano University alumna and Choco Mucho middle blocker who made history last year as the first NCAA product to be drafted into the PVL.
Pecaña went 11th overall to the Flying Titans in the inaugural draft and has since earned her moments on the court whenever called upon. Her journey gave Bedaña the clarity and courage to trust her own.
“Lorraine really opened the door for us from the NCAA. Knowing someone already paved the way made me believe I could do it too,” Bedaña shared.
But entering the draft still came with its own set of anxieties. The majority of selections were, unsurprisingly, UAAP stars—players from schools that consistently dominate collegiate volleyball headlines and the PVL scouting radar. Bedaña, however, didn’t let the pressure shake her.
“Nandoon yung pressure but at the same time super happy kasi maipapakita ko na kung ano yung mga natutunan ko from collegiate sa Perpetual po,” she said.
Galeries Tower clearly saw potential in her. The Highrisers, who held multiple early picks in the draft, also selected Far Eastern University’s Jean Asis as the second overall pick. Together, the two middle blockers represent a fresh core that the team is looking to develop.
What sets Bedaña apart is not just her skill set, but her composure and perspective. She understands that being the first NCAA player picked in this year’s draft comes with the responsibility of representation—a torch she’s more than willing to carry.
“Malaking bagay ito hindi lang para sa akin, kundi para rin sa mga atleta mula sa NCAA,” she said. “Kung dati parang laging UAAP lang ang nakikita sa pro, ngayon unti-unti na kaming nakikilala.”
