Former Ateneo captain Roma Mae Doromal during the PVL Draft Combine. – MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Former Ateneo captain Roma Mae Doromal offers her floor defense and leadership skills as she turns pro in the inaugural PVL Rookie Draft on July 8 at Novotel.
Doromal is among the top in this year’s Draft and she showcased her abilities in a two-day Draft Combine at the GameVille Ball Park, where coaches and scouts of the 12 PVL teams had a chance to scout for players who can level up their respective rosters.
“I think besides the skills I’ve gathered, leadership on the court is really important to me. I want this time to lead the team wherever I end up even though I’m still a rookie,” Doromal told reporters as she also seeks for redemption with just one Final Four appearance with the Blue Eagles throughout her collegiate career.
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“Of course, that’s what I’m really holding on to this time. I haven’t won a championship yet. Hopefully, in the PVL, I can find a way to achieve that championship,” she added.
Despite falling short of the Final Four in her last playing year in Season 86, the young libero is still grateful for all the learnings and the maturity she earned under Brazilian coach Sergio Velos.
“Coach Sergio helped me a lot to become a true leader. That’s something I’ll definitely bring with me. He also taught me skills, especially the technical aspects. Hopefully, I can teach my other teammates as well, even those new skills they don’t know yet,” she said.
READ: UAAP: Roma Doromal leaves Ateneo happy with young team’s growth
Doromal relished her experience playing with her former UAAP rivals, NCAA players, and aspirants from different places during the two-day Draft combine.
“We had a great experience, especially because there were so many talented players from different schools and provinces. I’m really happy to get to know them and play with them on the court,” she said. “They also became my friends outside of volleyball, so it wasn’t hard to adjust to playing with them on the court. It was just really fun because we’re all close friends.”
As she awaits the draft day, Doromal keeps her determination to improve her decision-making, digging skills, and whatever her future team wants her to develop.
Thanks to her elder sister, Roma Joy of Galeries, who has been supporting her and giving her bits of advice in her chase to make it to the pros.
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“She just told me to enjoy the journey. Actually, it’s really scary because you feel a lot of emotions, but at the same time, you just have to keep fighting even if you’re scared. She told me to just enjoy and whatever happens, give my best,” the younger Doromal said.