Nica Celis brings ‘tibay ng puso at utak’ to PVL Rookie Draft

Former UP stalwart Nica Celis is a prime rookie prospect. —PVL IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines — Nica Celis vows to bring the University of the Philippines’ “tibay ng puso at utak” to the table when she gets selected in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft on Sunday at Novotel.

Celis is the lone Fighting Maroon among the 57 hopefuls, as batchmates Niña Ytang, Joan Monares, and Irah Jaboneta opted to return for one more year.

FULL LIST: 2025 PVL Rookie Draft Aspirants 

The 5-foot-9 middle blocker may not be the most gifted in the deep draft class, but she promises to leave everything on the floor if a PVL team gives her a chance.

“Not in terms of like I’m the number one player or anything like that. For me, I’m all out. If they want me to fulfill this role, I will work day in and day out. I will give you the best quality of what is needed of me,” Celis told reporters during the Draft Combine last week.

“I have no problems working extra hard because I love working hard. I love my sport. For me, that’s what I can give.”

The 24-year-old, who was part of UP’s rise from cellar dweller to dark horse contender with a 6-8 record in UAAP Season 87, also offers the character instilled in her as a Fighting Maroon.

“No matter where you go, things won’t always favor you and you really, really have to put in the work. That’s our battle cry, ‘giting ng tapang.’ So that’s something definitely I can bring here in the pros,” she said.

Celis is ready for her next chapter, believing that UP is in good hands with Ytang, Monares, and Jaboneta leading transferees Casiey Dongallo, Jelai Gajero, and Kizzie Madriaga.

“I feel like I already fulfilled my role to UP. I’m not leaving with a heavy heart. For me, I can leave knowing that the girls can do the rest of the work—and ten times better than what I did,” said Celis. “Next year, they’ll be amazing in the UAAP. So I’m happy with that. It’s time for me to transition [to the pros].”