With the UAAP shuttered for almost a year, Kat Tolentino just felt it was high time to graduate from collegiate volleyball.

Tolentino admitted the uncertainty of collegiate action pushed her to decide and forego her final playing year in the UAAP even if there has been no decision yet on potential new eligibility rules for graduating or overage players.

“Well I didn’t really come to the decision myself. It was kind of decided for me,” said Tolentino.

“There’s no UAAP and it’s so uncertain when it’ll be back. So I’m assuming I’m no longer eligible.”

Tolentino will turn 26 years old this January and will be over the UAAP’s age limit of 25 years old.

She has returned to the Philippines with her brother Vince from Canada and completed her 14-day quarantine, as she will be suiting up for Choco Mucho in the recently-professionalized Premier Volleyball League (PVL).

The former Ateneo spiker had to make a decision as the PVL’s first professional conference is set to open on April 10 at the National University Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna.

Tolentino would have to apply for a pro license to participate inside the “Calambubble,” which will make her ineligible for the UAAP, which has cancelled both Season 82 and Season 83.

Tolentino had planned to forego her final year of eligibility after leading the Ateneo Lady Eagles to their third UAAP women’s volleyball title. But in November 2019, the 6-foot-1 spiker decided to return to the team to help boost its title defense. 

But the Fil-Canadian had an abrupt end to her UAAP career, with her last game resulting in a loss to the retooled La Salle Lady Spikers in the rivalry match just before the country went into lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.

On April 1, 2020, Tolentino left for Canada to be with her family. – Rappler.com