For Jade Fuentes, the 2026 PVL Draft is more than just a professional opportunity.
It’s a return to the place where a once-promising Philippine volleyball journey was unexpectedly put on pause.
Years after quietly leaving the country during the pandemic, the Filipino-American outside hitter is back — this time hoping to finally write the chapter she once never got to finish.
Before building her game in the United States with California State University Dominguez Hills in NCAA Division II play, Fuentes was already familiar with the local volleyball scene. She previously suited up for the powerhouse De La Salle University Lady Spikers program from 2020 to 2022, serving as a reserve during UAAP Season 84 and later seeing action in the Shakey’s Super League.
But just as her Philippine volleyball journey was beginning to take shape, COVID changed everything.
“When I first played in the Philippines, it was for DLSU for 2020 to 2022. So I was a reserve for [UAAP] Season 84 and then I played in the Shakey’s [Super] League. And because of COVID, I wanted to go home and be with my family,” Fuentes explained during a pre-draft gathering for aspirants under Hustle & Groove management.
“But I always knew that I would come back for the draft because I loved the environment here in the Philippines. And so I trained and played at Cal State Dominguez Hills and that was CCAA Division II. And I’m just super excited to be back here.”
Now, Fuentes returns to the Philippines carrying not only improved skills from her years overseas, but also a stronger sense of purpose.
The 2026 PVL Draft represents a full-circle opportunity for the Fil-Am hitter, whose family traces its roots to Antipolo City. After completing her degree in psychology as a Summa Cum Laude graduate in the United States, Fuentes decided it was finally time to pursue the professional dream she once postponed.
And beyond the volleyball itself, it was the culture surrounding the sport in the Philippines that kept pulling her back.
“I’m super excited to be in the competitive spirit that the Philippines has. And the amazing fans and the environment,” she shared.
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Get to know Jade Fuentes, a former DLSU Lady Spiker and summa cum laude Psychology graduate of California State University Dominguez Hills, as she hopes to support mental health in sports while preparing for the next step in her journey at the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft. pic.twitter.com/z20AzJqdyJ
— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) May 25, 2026
Her return also comes with a sense of familiarity. Several of her former teammates have already become established names in Philippine volleyball, and reconnecting with them has only strengthened the feeling that she’s exactly where she’s supposed to be.
“A hundred percent [it’s a full circle moment]. It’s especially been super nice seeing all my old teammates like ate Thea [Gagate], ate Fifi [Sharma], Sophia [Sindayen], who’s also going to be doing the draft with me,” Fuentes said.
“It’s just been super nice being able to have a full circle moment where I’m able to see all my old teammates and just hang out with them and be able to play volleyball with them again.”
Still, despite the excitement surrounding her return, Fuentes remains grounded entering a draft class loaded with high-profile talent and experienced collegiate stars.
Rather than making bold promises, the former DLSU reserve simply wants teams to see the intangibles she believes separate her from the rest of the field.
“I want to show that I’m a fierce competitor and that I have leadership skills that I can bring on to whatever team that I go on. And I also just want to make an impact and help better my team in whatever way possible,” Fuentes said.
This time around, though, Fuentes isn’t arriving in Philippine volleyball as someone trying to find her footing.
She’s returning as someone determined to finish what she started.
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