Barbie Jamili and Khy Cepada turned heads during the 2026 PVL Draft Combine after emerging among the top performers in the league’s pre-draft testing sessions held at Gameville Ballpark in Mandaluyong.

The two outside spikers showcased their athleticism across multiple categories as 42 aspiring rookies underwent a series of physical assessments ahead of the highly anticipated PVL Draft scheduled for June 3.

Day 1 of the PVL Draft Combine focused on anthropometric measurements and performance testing administered by the Valor Performance Institute. The evaluations measured speed, power, reactive strength, and durability, providing teams with valuable data on this year’s draft hopefuls.

Jamili established herself as one of the biggest standouts after topping three separate categories. Her performance reinforced her reputation as one of the most athletic prospects entering the professional ranks.

Jamili dominates testing

Jamili posted the fastest time in the 10-meter sprint after clocking 1.759 seconds. She also led the pro agility 5-10-5 drill with a time of 5.109 seconds, highlighting her quickness and change-of-direction ability.

The former standout further impressed by recording the highest reactive strength index in the hop test at 3.36 meters per second. Her results placed her among the most explosive athletes participating in the combine.

“Ang ma-o-offer ko lang po is gawin ko yung best ko para makahelp sa team and I’m willing naman po to learn din,” Jamili said.

Several other prospects also produced eye-catching numbers during the testing phase. Their performances helped showcase the depth and athletic quality of this year’s draft class.

Six-foot-one opposite hitter Alyssa Solomon registered the highest vertical reach at 300 centimeters. Middle blocker Niña Ytang, meanwhile, recorded the highest approach jump at 311 centimeters.

Libero Lara Mae Silva led all participants in the countermovement jump after posting a mark of 46.4 centimeters. The result highlighted her explosiveness despite playing a defensive position.

Cepada impresses scouts

Cepada enjoyed one of the most complete performances of the day by finishing among the top five in six separate categories. Her consistency across multiple tests drew praise as teams evaluated prospects ahead of draft day.

The University of the East standout placed second in the 10-meter sprint with a time of 1.776 seconds. She also finished second in the countermovement jump after recording 44.7 centimeters.

Cepada continued her strong showing by placing third in the pro agility 5-10-5 drill with 5.133 seconds. She also ranked fifth in both the reactive strength index and approach jump categories.

PVL Control Committee chairman Sherwin Malonzo expressed satisfaction with the overall quality of athletes participating in this year’s combine. He noted that the testing results reflected the increasing athletic standards among incoming players.

“Nagulat ako ang lalaki ng players plus maganda rin ‘yung measurements sa Valor, maraming athletic ngayon. Ang ganda ng quality ng players this class,” Malonzo said.

He added that the advanced testing equipment also measured upper-body strength, an important factor in several aspects of volleyball performance. According to Malonzo, stronger upper-body metrics can translate into better attacking power, setting ability, and floor defense.

Day 2 of the PVL Draft Combine featured scrimmages, allowing aspirants to showcase their skills in actual game situations. Players who applied for multiple positions were given opportunities to perform in different roles throughout the sessions.

Galeries Tower will enter the June 3 draft holding the first overall selection. Capital1 owns the second pick, followed by Choco Mucho, ZUS Coffee, Akari, Nxled, Farm Fresh, PLDT, and Creamline in the first-round order.