Julia Coronel to bring national team experience to Galeries
Galeries Tower’s latest addition Julia Coronel during the 2024 PVL Rookie Draft.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — After weeks of uncertainty, Julia Coronel was thrilled to find her new home at Galeries Tower.
Coronel begins her pro career with the Highrisers under coaches Lerma Giron and Godfrey Okumu after being picked third overall in the PVL Rookie Draft on Monday night.
“I would say sobrang thankful ako kasi coming into this draft, hindi ko talaga alam kung sino ang pipili sa akin. And now that I know, I’m just really happy with the team that I’m in and like I said, I’m willing to contribute to the success of the team,” Coronel, the former La Salle main setter, told reporters.
However, Coronel’s debut will have to wait as she has to first fulfill her duty for Alas Pilipinas, which will allow her to return to her club team only after the SEA V League in August.
READ: Julia Coronel to bring versatility in PVL
Julia Coronel on being part of Galeries Tower. #PVLDraft2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/BBKGBFCqHM
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) July 8, 2024
“For the meantime, since it is national team season, I’m really hoping to prioritize my duties as a national team player,” said the Season 85 champion, who will train with the Nationals in Japan for two weeks before their next tournament.
Coronel, a member of Alas’ historic bronze medal run in the AVC Challenge Cup, is eager to bring her national team experience and learnings from La Salle under coach Ramil De Jesus as she is set to anchor Galeries’ offense with Dimdim Pacres, Roma Joy Doromal, Ysa Jimenez, and Brazilian import Monique Helena.
Coronel is also proud of her college teammates as they were the first four picks in the inaugural draft with Thea Gagate landing ZUS Coffee at No.1, Leila Cruz being selected by Capital1, and Maicah Larroza emerging as the surprise top four pick of Farm Fresh.
READ: Julia Coronel shines in PVL Rookie Draft Combine
“It’s just a great feeling to see my fellow teammates na napili right away in this draft and I’m really hoping na they get to shine in the teams that they are in, the teams that we are all in right now,” Coronel said. “Alam naman natin ang system ni Coach Ramil for how many years, proven and tested na yan, kaya it’s a great feeling to see my teammates.”
Galeries is slated in Pool A with Creamline, Chery Tiggo, PLDT, Farm Fresh, and Nxled and it has to wait until Coronel finishes her Alas stint.
The Highrisers also drafted University of the Philippines spiker Jewel Encarnacion at No.15 as well as Dodee Batindaan and Danivah Aying in the last two rounds.
