PVL: Irah Jaboneta ready to fill any role for Nxled

Irah Jaboneta drafted by Nxled Chameleons in the PVL Rookie Draft 2026. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Whether as a spiker or a libero, Irah Jaboneta is eager to contribute to a stacked Nxled squad ahead of the new Premier Volleyball League season.

The University of the Philippines standout was selected by the Chameleons with the fifth overall pick in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft on Wednesday night at Novotel.

LIST: Who each team picked in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft

“Since I listed two positions, I’m just really grateful that Coach Ettore (Guidetti) chose me. I don’t know him that well yet, but from what I’ve seen in training, his system is very detailed. He clearly explains what he wants and how I can continue improving,” said Jaboneta in Filipino.

“Whether it’s as an outside hitter or a libero, I feel ready for either role. Just like I did at UP, I’m willing to do whatever is needed as long as I can help the team.”

In her final year with UP, Jaboneta showed she’s not just a reliable outside spiker, as she played most of her Season 88 games as a libero.

Irah Jaboneta on joining Nxled. #PVLDraft #PVL2026 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ

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Jaboneta trained with Nxled before the draft and fell in love right away with the environment of league MVPs Brooke Van Sickle, Myla Pablo, and MJ Phillips and recruits Gel Cayuna and Jackie Acuña.

“Honestly, I’m still shaking right now. But I’m really happy to be joining my new family, Nxled. Before, whenever people asked me which team I wanted to play for, my answer was always, ‘As long as I get drafted, I’ll be happy,'”she said.

“But about a week before the draft, I got the chance to train with Nxled, and that’s when I realized how important your environment is as a player. Training with them felt so comfortable and welcoming, so I’m really happy that they’re the team that picked me.”

Nxled missed the semifinals in the previous All-Filipino Conference despite signing the core of the champion team, Petro Gazz.

Still, Jaboneta is unfazed by the pressure of joining a roster loaded with championship-caliber talent.

“I just want to take some pressure off myself because I’m new to the team and most of my teammates are veterans,” said Jaboneta. “I’ll focus on contributing whatever I can. I know I always give 101 percent, so whatever I can offer, whatever I can learn, and whatever I can adapt to within the system, I’ll give my all to the team.”