MANILA, Philippines — ZUS Coffee proved to be one of the winners of the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft after selecting AC Miner with the fifth overall pick to form a strong frontline with last year’s top pick Thea Gagate.

Miner, who used to battle three-time UAAP Best Middle Blocker Gagate in Ateneo-La Salle rivalry games, is excited to team up with the PVL Rookie of the Year after realizing her pro dream on Sunday evening at Novotel.

READ: PVL Draft: AC Miner’s dad not missing daughter’s special day

AC Miner is excited to join Thea Gagate at ZUS Coffee. #PVLDraft2025 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/xhbJ4Cn2zF

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) June 8, 2025

“I’m super excited to be teammates with Thea Gagate, especially since she was last year’s first-round pick and has won multiple UAAP awards. I’m really looking forward to working with her on the team,” said Miner in Filipino.

Miner showed her versatility as a middle blocker and opposite hitter in her final season at Ateneo, adding more promise to the young Thunderbelles, led by Gagate, Clo Mondoñedo, Chinnie Arroyo, and Kate Santiago.

ZUS Coffee coach Jerry Yee also drafted former NCAA MVP and his College of Saint Benilde spiker Mycah Go, Riza Nogales in the third round, and the 20-year-old Gela Jackson as their final pick.

Miner is excited to grow with the Thunderbelles, who made an impressive run from cellar dwellers to playoff contenders in the All-Filipino Conference.

READ: ZUS Coffee taps 3 more free agents after signing Alyssa Eroa

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned from Ateneo, it’s that nothing is ever certain, especially with everything that’s happened. And now, coming into this new team, I’m really hoping to help rebuild alongside the coaches and my new teammates,” she said.

The former Blue Eagle was also grateful to be with her dad, Clifford, on her special night.

“I’m also really happy that my dad was able to be here tonight. It means a lot that he took the time to come and watch me get drafted. I’m just so thankful for everything that’s happened these past few days,” the younger Miner said.

The Thunderbelles, led by Jovelyn Gonzaga and Chai Troncoso, also added veteran players in Best Libero Alyssa Eroa, Maika Ortiz, Fiola Ceballos, and Ney Mabilangan.