MANILA, Philippines — Thea Gagate is honored to be chosen by ZUS Coffee as the No.1 overall pick in the inaugural PVL Rookie Draft on July 8 at Novotel, vowing to repay the team’s trust by giving her all to elevate the team’s level of play.

ZUS Coffee coach Jerry Yee on Tuesday revealed at the draft combine that they will be picking the Alas Pilipinas middle blocker in the league’s upcoming inaugural draft.

The 6-foot-2 Gagate is elated to embark on a new chapter in her volleyball career with the NCAA three-peat champion College of Saint Benilde players, led by Season 99 MVP and Best Setter Cloanne Mondoñedo, Finals MVP Gayle Pascual, Jade Gentapa, and Michelle Gamit.

READ: Thea Gagate to be picked No. 1 by ZUS Coffee in PVL Rookie Draft

Thea Gagate on being ZUS Coffee’s top choice. #PVLDraft2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/n3yDk8LVlM

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) June 25, 2024

“Of course, I’m very honored na ako ‘yung first choice nila and I’m grateful for it, sobra. I just hope na I will go there soon,” Gagate said. “Masaya kasi nakikita nila ‘yung efforts ko as a player and na-aappreciate nila ‘yun. Hopefully, mapakita ko (pa ‘yung skills ko) sa future team ko.”

The La Salle stalwart, who won three straight 1st Best Middle Blocker awards and a Season 85 title last year, is determined to help the Thunderbelles improve from a 0-11 stint in the All-Filipino Conference.

“I’ll just really do my best na matulungan ‘yung team na umangat ‘yung ranking nila sa PVL. 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,” Gagate said. “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.”

Gagate, who was part of Alas Pilipinas’ historic bronze medal in the AVC Challenge Cup, isn’t sure about her availability in the Reinforced Conference due to the FIVB Challenger Cup next week and SEA V.League in August. But she’s hoping she could make her debut in the import-laden tournament.

READ: Thea Gagate, Julia Coronel headline PVL Rookie Draft

“Very surprising kasi hindi ko talaga inexpect na ganito ‘yung mangyayari this year. My last collegiate season didn’t end well but I’m very grateful as well na nakasama ako sa national team and we also won bronze. I hope things will go better for the rest of the year,” she said.

Although she ended her UAAP career by missing the finals, Gagate remained grateful for La Salle and coach Ramil De Jesus.

“Nagpaalam talaga kami nang maayos to maintain a good relationship with everyone kasi the volleyball community is really small so kailangan namin mag-maintain ng good relationship,” said the Cebuana middle blocker. “On my part, they already expected it even before Season 86. I’m thankful din kay Coach (Ramil) na pinayagan niya ako wholeheartedly.”

Gagate is looking forward to face the finalists of the past two All-Filipino, Creamline and Choco Mucho. But right now, her focus is with the national team against Vietnam in the Challenger Cup on July 5 at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.