Pepito fulfills lifelong dream after Capital1 selection

Detdet Pepito

Detdet Pepito began dreaming of making it to the Premier Volleyball League years ago, when she first saw her sisters, Marge and MJ, suit up for San Sebastian College in the NCAA during the late 2000s.

That dream guided her through tournaments like the Palarong Pambansa all the way to becoming a standout for University of Santo Tomas from high school through college.

On Wednesday, accompanied by Marge, Pepito was overcome with emotion when Capital1 selected her second overall at the 2026 PVL Draft.

“I think all the sacrifices and hard work I went through for my family have finally paid off. I just hope they’re proud that the youngest member of the family has made it to the PVL,” Pepito told the Inquirer, after fighting back tears while walking to the stage.

“I’m really grateful because this is a huge opportunity. During my final playing year, making it to the PVL was one of my main goals. That’s why I gave my best every game to prepare for this draft,” said Pepito, the two-time UAAP Best Libero who poured everything into Season 88 in a bid to help UST return to the finals.

Marge, a former Lady Stags spiker who played alongside MJ, a libero, in 2009, could not have been prouder to see her youngest sister emerge as one of the league’s brightest young talents after being selected by the fast-rising Capital1 franchise.

“She grew up watching us play and saw our journey in the sport. She got inspired by what we were doing, and from there, volleyball became a big part of her life. I’m very happy that she has made it all the way to the PVL,” Marge said.

“I’m so proud of you, Detdet. You’ve become successful and reached this stage of your career. Just continue to take care of yourself and always trust the process. I know that wherever you are now, especially with Capital1, you’ll bring the same leadership that you showed at UST. Just remember that your family will always be here to support you,” she added.

Pepito also dedicated her entry into the PVL to her niece, Chasliey—the daughter of MJ and a libero for the UST Junior Tigresses.

Childhood teammate

Now, the decorated libero begins a new chapter with the Solar Spikers, where she reunites with childhood friend Bella Belen, the reigning Rookie of the Year and Best Outside Spiker, and joins former Cignal stars Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos.

“When I heard there were already three MVPs on the team, I thought, ‘Wow, this team is really strong.’ When my name was called, it definitely added some pressure, but I’m more excited than anything,” Pepito said.

“I know I’ll learn a lot from them, and hopefully we can build chemistry quickly since PVL On Tour is coming up. I’ll just keep giving my best.”

For her part, Pepito vowed to quickly build chemistry with her new teammates and adapt to coach Jorge Souza de Brito’s system, bringing the leadership and steady floor defense that made her one of the top liberos in the collegiate ranks.

“When I trained with them, we had great energy and communication. I hope that translates into our games,” Pepito said.