For years, Khy Cepada watched Bella Belen from afar as one of the PVL stars she admired most. Now, the former University of the East standout is preparing to share the same court and team with her idol after being selected by Capital1 in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft.
In a draft class where only 11 aspirants heard their names called, Cepada emerged as one of the fortunate few, going ninth overall to the Solar Spikers in the second round.
What made the moment unforgettable was realizing she would be joining a franchise that has quickly transformed itself into one of the league’s most talent-loaded teams.
“Yung PVL idol ko po ngayon is si Ate Bella po, so parang sabi ko po, hala, nung shine-shake ko po yung hand niya doon sa stage, parang sabi ko, ‘Oh my God, totoo ba ’to?’ So yun po, parang na-shock po talaga ako. Parang nothing but gratitude po sa Capital1 kasi na-pick po nila ako,” Cepada said.
For the 22-year-old outside hitter, draft day was filled with uncertainty. Despite an impressive showing during the Draft Combine, she admitted she did not expect her name to be called as early as the second round.
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‘LALABAN PO AKO.’
Khy Cepada shares how unexpected it was to be drafted by Capital1, as she joins her PVL idol Bella Belen in the professional league. | via Jamie Velasco/One Sports#OSOnTheSpot #PVL2026 #TheHeartofVolleyball #PVLDraft pic.twitter.com/PMAfHoKXBG
— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) June 4, 2026
Instead, she found herself becoming part of a franchise that has been one of the busiest teams in the offseason.
“Very excited po na maka-training po sa kanila, makalaro yung ibang teams and ma-represent po yung Capital1, kasi hindi ko po talaga ini-expect na matatawag po talaga yung pangalan ko agad this second round. Very happy po sobra,” she said.
Capital1’s roster makeover has positioned the team as one of the league’s emerging contenders. Alongside Cepada, the Solar Spikers selected former University of Santo Tomas libero Detdet Pepito with the second overall pick.
The team also strengthened its core by acquiring former league MVPs Erika Santos and Vanie Gandler from the now-defunct Cignal squad.
Veterans Pauline Gaston, Pia Abbu, and Roma Mae Doromal further bolster a lineup that suddenly boasts experience and star power.
For Cepada, however, the challenge is not getting overwhelmed by the names around her but finding ways to contribute.
“Palagi ko pong sinasabi lalaban po ako, magiging mas palaban pa po ako, kasi sila ‘yung kasama ko pa sa lineup si Ate Belle, ate Vanie (Gandler), so laban pa rin.”
That fighting mindset has defined much of her volleyball journey. Before entering the professional ranks, Cepada carried the responsibility of leading the UE Lady Warriors through one of the program’s most difficult stretches.
While the team endured back-to-back winless UAAP campaigns to close her collegiate career, Cepada continued to produce individually, finishing as Season 88’s 12th Best Scorer with 171 points built on 153 attacks, 14 aces, and four blocks.
Those numbers may not have translated into victories, but they showcased the resilience that kept her among the league’s most productive hitters despite difficult circumstances.
The transition from collegiate leader to rookie role player will not be easy, but the former Lady Warrior believes the lessons learned during UE’s toughest years have prepared her for the next challenge.
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