During the PVL Rookie Draft Combine, anticipation swirled as Thea Gagate, standing tall at 6-foot-2, embraced her destiny.
Viewed as the consensus top pick in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Draft, Gagate, with unwavering determination, set her sights on reshaping the fortunes of ZUS Coffee.
Amid the buzz at Gameville Ballpark, the La Salle standout exuded both humility and eagerness.
“For my part, I’ll just really do my best na matulungan ‘yung team na umangat ‘yung ranking nila sa PVL,” she shared with a smile that reflected both gratitude and determination. "
Gagate's journey to the PVL was paved with accolades from her collegiate career and recent international success with Alas Pilipinas, culminating in a historic bronze at the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup.
Despite these triumphs, she remains grounded, acknowledging the weight of expectations.
"There’s always gonna be pressure but I’ll put that aside and just focus on working hard on myself and I’ll be good," she affirmed.
Potentially joining a roster bolstered by former College of St. Benilde stalwarts, including NCAA MVP Cloanne Mondoñedo and seasoned setter Gayle Pascual, Gagate sees an opportunity to spark a resurgence for ZUS Coffee.
“It’s gonna be challenging talaga kasi pero very exciting din kasi coming into the national team, I also wish to bring new learnings to my new team sa PVL para matulungan kong umangat ‘yung ranking nila," she remarked thoughtfully.
As Gagate prepares to don the Thunderbelles' colors, her immediate future remains fluid, with commitments to Alas Pilipinas in the FIVB Challenger Cup and the SEA V.League potentially impacting her debut in the PVL Reinforced Conference.
