The path of Taks Fujimoto from UAAP battles to a possible professional career in the PVL has never been just about talent, it has also been about resilience.
The former Ateneo Lady Eagles setter once carried much of the burden as the team tried to measure up against the league’s elite, often finding herself at the center of criticism regardless of factors beyond her control. Those early challenges, however, have now shaped how she approaches the next stage of her volleyball journey.
As she enters the buildup to the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft, Fujimoto has shifted her focus away from outside noise and toward personal growth, embracing a mindset centered on effort and consistency.
“Siguro, no matter what other people say or yung mga bashers, just do your best. Because there will be people who will support you no matter what,” Fujimoto said.
Now preparing for the draft combine scheduled on May 28 and 29, Fujimoto joined fellow aspirants in a pre-draft meeting organized by her agency Hustle & Groove. The session provided prospects with guidance on what to expect and what areas they need to sharpen before stepping into the professional stage.
Rather than feeling overwhelmed by the transition, the 25-year-old setter is choosing to approach it with curiosity and confidence, seeing it as an opportunity to show the work she has quietly put in over the years.
“I think more on [I want to] enjoy and to really just showcase what I’ve been doing, what I’ve been training for the past years,” the 25-year-old said.
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PVL DRAFT ASPIRANTS OF 2026
Here is the initial list of qualified applicants for the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft, with the list set to be finalized after the June 1 application withdrawal deadline.#PVLDraft #PVL2026 @spinph pic.twitter.com/vC3OCJ6uX4
— John Mark Garcia (@johnmarkdg_) May 25, 2026
One of the most reassuring elements of her journey has been the presence of familiar faces. Fujimoto is the only Ateneo player officially listed in the upcoming draft class, but she is far from navigating the process alone.
Former teammates Lyann De Guzman of the Nxled Chameleons and AC Miner of ZUS Coffee have stayed closely involved in her preparation, offering both emotional support and practical advice drawn from their own professional experiences.
“Grateful din talaga ako sa kanila. Because nag-a-ask din ako if ano ba nangyayare, if anong ginawa nila nung draft, or anong kailangan. Before pa ako nakapag-isip mag-draft, tinanong ko rin if anong kailangan ko i-improve as an individual,” Fujimoto said.
With the draft approaching, their guidance has helped Fujimoto better understand what lies ahead, turning uncertainty into readiness as she steps closer to the professional ranks.
“They’re always there to guide me, to help me na ito dapat gawin mo. And I think mas better if ito pa i-improve mo. And happy din po ako kasi nandyan sila. And I can really count on them no matter what.”
As the PVL Rookie Draft draws near, Fujimoto’s story is no longer just about proving herself on the court—it is also about growth, trust, and carrying forward the lessons learned from both struggle and support.
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