AT A GLANCE
Thea Gagate is looking forward to forming a “winning chemistry” with ZUS Coffee after being selected as the top overall pick in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League Rookie Draft Monday night, July 8.
The 6-foot-2 middle blocker admitted the pressure to deliver is always there for any draft picks, but she is more than focused on jelling with her teammates as the Thunderbelles try to regain lost bearings from the previous conference.
“It’s going to be very exciting,” said Gagate moments after her selection held at the Novotel in Cubao. “I need to make a great relationship with my teammates, especially my coaches and the management, para okay yung environment and para mas maging okay yung laro namin in the upcoming PVL conference,” she added.
A De La Salle University standout and member for the Alas Pilipinas, Gagate is expected to join forces with former College of St. Benilde players that include Cloanne Mondoñedo, Gayle Pascual and Jade Gentapa.
“We’ve never been together with other NCAA team. Hopefully makabuo kami ng magandang synergy together,” Gagate said.
Formerly Strong Group Athletics, the team debuted in the All-Filipino Conference early this year but finished 12th and last with no win and 11 losses.
Under new coach Jerry Yee, the Thunderbelles, along with Gagate and fellow draft picks Sharya Ancheta (13th) and Nikka Yandoc (19th) hope to make an impact in the upcoming conference.
