For years, Chai Troncoso accepted her role as a spark plug off the bench with Cignal, always ready to provide energy when called upon. But when the opportunity for a larger role emerged, she knew it was time to take a leap of faith.
Joining ZUS Coffee ahead of the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference gave Troncoso exactly what she was looking for — a chance to showcase her full potential.
“This is what I want,” Troncoso said. “Dito, talagang in-embrace ko yung opportunity knowing na sa Cignal nagiging off the bench nga ako. Ito yung gusto ko na maglaro ako, magkaroon ako ng playing time. And thank you kasi binigyan ako ng ZUS Coffee ng opportunity to play with them.”
That opportunity came to life during ZUS Coffee's thrilling five-set victory over Cignal in the Play-In Tournament. Troncoso delivered a career-best 21 points, spearheading the Thunderbelles with 15 attacks, four aces, and two blocks. On top of her scoring, she excelled in defense with 17 excellent receptions — an all-around performance that proved her readiness for a bigger role.
The win placed ZUS Coffee one victory away from advancing to the quarterfinals, but the result carried deeper significance for Troncoso, who faced her former team for the first time since departing.
“Naiyak ako pero yun nga, I’m with ZUS na — bagong sistema, bagong team,” she said.
"Siguro, na-embrace ko na rin talaga yung role ko sa ZUS with the help of my teammates, coaches, and management para makarating kami kung saan kami ngayon. So, sa win na ito, parang rebuild ko kumbaga ako dito sa ZUS," the product of Central Philippines University added.
While grateful for her new role, Troncoso acknowledged that her time with Cignal played a pivotal part in her development. Even with limited minutes, she learned to make every opportunity count — a mindset that prepared her for her expanded role with ZUS Coffee.
“Siguro, may factor din na nakakuha ako ng confidence sa Cignal kasi yung nagiging mindset ng off-the-bench player is minimal lang yung binibigay na playing time, so talagang sini-seize namin yung opportunity na yun sa Cignal dati,” Troncoso explained.
"And ayun, malaki rin yung tiwala ng mga coaches dati sa akin sa Cignal. And thankful ako dun."
