PVL: Ann Monares hungry for more improvement ahead of draft

Ann Monares during the PVL Rookie Draft Combine.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Ann Monares, arguably the top libero in a stacked 2025 rookie class, won’t miss the opportunity for growth after a fruitful four-year career at Far Eastern University.

Monares promises to give her best on the defensive end when she lands on a team in the PVL Rookie Draft on Sunday at Novotel.

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“In the UAAP, I played as a receiving libero, so wherever I end up, I’ll give my best in that role. I want to improve even more and become better in that position,” Monares told the reporters in Filipino.

Monares, one of the few liberos of the 2025 Draft Class, is armed with the rich history of FEU, which she helped to back-to-back Final Four appearances in the last two seasons before falling short to eventual champion National University.

The 5-foot-6 Monares is also banking on her experience playing for three different seasoned coaches under George Pascua in 2022, and Tina Salak and Manolo Refugia in the past three seasons.

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Monares believes being under the tutelage of the three coaches made her PVL-ready.

“In my four years at FEU, I really learned a lot because we had different coaches over the years. Each one taught us different values and principles, and I want to carry all of that with me going pro,” said Monares, the younger sister of University of the Philippines star Joan.

““But if there’s one thing that stuck with me, I’m always staying hungry to improve that I can’t settle for what I already learned and keep my mind open and be willing to learn even more.”