Cebuana spiker makes history in inaugural PVL Draft
CEBU, Philippines — With zero expectations, Danivah Sheilo Aying was just trying her luck in joining the first ever Premier Volleyball League Rookie Draft on Monday, July 8, at the Novotel Manila in Cubao, Quezon City.
It turned out that Lady fortune smiled at her in a unique way.
The former team captain of the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars women’s volleyball team was selected by the Galeries Tower Highrisers as the 23rd and final pick of the inaugural draft.
With that, Aying made history as the only draft pick not coming from a UAAP or NCAA school.
“Super overwhelming po siya para sa akin kasi nga, zero expectations po talaga ako. Di ko inexpect na mada-draft talaga ako,” said Aying, who powered the Jaguars to the women’s volleyball crown of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) last season.
“Parang sabi ko na lang, sana lang mabigyan ako ng opportunity. Wala, wala po talaga akong hinahangad na makamit dito. Pero thank you po sa Galeries na binigyan ako ng chance at opportunity.”
More than being drafted, Aying has become a beacon of hope for provincial talents that dreams do come true if they just have the heart to pursue it.
“Siyempre po, matagal ko nang pangarap pumunta ng Manila, tapos ngayon lang nabigyan ng chance. Also, parang naging push ko na rin yung mga down comments ng mga ibang tao na ‘Ay from Cebu lang yan’. Parang naging stepping stone siya para sa’kin,” Aying said.
“’Di naman ibig sabihin na porket ‘di ako from UAAP o NCAA, ‘di na pwedeng mag-apply sa draft. Wala namang requirement na kailangan ka from NCAA o UAAP,” the versatile 5-foot-6 opposite hitter added.
Having said that, the 23-year-old Aying offers some words of wisdom for those who aspire to follow in her footsteps.
“Never give up. Kung pangarap mo, mag-try ka lang talaga, kasi wala namang mawawala kung mag-try ka. As long as andiyan yung perseverance mo, andiyan yung fire sa loob mo na gusto mo talagang makamit yung pangarap mo, go lang. Wala namang limitations diyan eh,” Aying said. – EBV
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