VOLLEY

Solomon keeps focus on UAAP title defense

Jason Mago

National University’s star spiker Alyssa Solomon is taking a bold step in her volleyball career as she officially enters the 2025 Korean Volleyball Federation (KOVO) Asian Quota Draft for the next V-League season.

Solomon is among the four Filipina players who have joined the prestigious draft, set to take place at the Mayfield Hotel in Korea on 11 April. She will be competing for a spot alongside Choco Mucho’s Mars Alba, PLDT’s Majo Baron, and Maddie Madayag, who is currently based in Japan.

The towering 6-foot-2 Lady Bulldogs standout revealed that the opportunity to play in Korea came unexpectedly while competing in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).

“It was all so sudden,” Solomon shared after leading NU with 16 points to a 25-13, 25-23, 25-22 victory over University of the Philippines (UP) on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Solomon has previously stated that she will forgo her final year of eligibility in the UAAP.

“I was focused on the UAAP at the time when an agent approached me. I asked if it would require me to go to Korea, but I was told that the application was done online, so I had no problems with it.”

Solomon has previously stated that she will forgo her final year of eligibility in the UAAP.

However, despite her participation in the KOVO draft, she remains fully committed to NU’s championship defense in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament.

“For now, my focus is on the UAAP,” she emphasized.

She also hinted at the possibility of exploring other opportunities outside Korea, should things not go as planned.

“It’s a secret,” Solomon said playfully.

“I have one more option.”

The draft proper will take place virtually, and players selected will be eligible to join their teams after 1 July. Their contracts will run from the signing date until 31 May 2026.

With her eyes set on both immediate and future opportunities, Solomon’s journey is one to watch as she continues to elevate her game beyond local shores. JASON MAGO