Jolina Dela Cruz is slowly finding her way back.
After recovering from an injury and a challenging stretch that saw her minutes decrease, the former UAAP Best Outside Hitter hopes her move to the Zus Coffee Thunderbelles will be the fresh start she needs to regain her confidence in the PVL.
Dela Cruz revealed that while the Farm Fresh Foxies offered her a contract extension during the offseason, she decided it was time to seek a new opportunity.
“Ayun nga, tapos na rin naman ‘yung contract ko with Farm Fresh, and that time dapat i-renew rin (nila ako). Pero ayun nga, nag-request na rin ako na (‘wag na),” Dela Cruz said.
The former De La Salle University star joined the Foxies in 2024 after F2 Logistics disbanded, but had to delay her debut while recovering from a torn ACL in her right knee.
She eventually returned to action and showed flashes of her old form, but her role became limited as Farm Fresh continued to adjust its rotation.
Jolina Dela Cruz Gets Fresh Start at Zus Coffee
Looking for a bigger opportunity to contribute, Jolina Dela Cruz found a new home with Zus Coffee under head coach Jerry Yee.
“Siyempre, gusto ko talagang makalaro. Ayun, swerte ko rin kasi binibigyan din ako ng playing time ni Coach Jerry, and nasa magandang system din ako, and very welcoming din talaga ‘yung teammates ko,” she shared.
The move already showed promising signs as Dela Cruz delivered in her Thunderbelles debut, finishing with 12 points and 13 excellent receptions in Zus Coffee’s 25-11, 25-23, 26-28, 25-17 victory over the Akari Chargers to open the 2026 PVL On Tour.
For Dela Cruz, getting consistent on-court opportunities is a major step in rebuilding the confidence she lost during her time away from a regular role.
“Siyempre, una, ‘yung kumpiyansa talaga kasi last conference rin. Ang hirap din ng kumpiyansa; wala rin talagang playing time that time. So eto, super big opportunity ‘to talaga para sa akin,” she said.
Finding Herself Once More
Beyond the playing time, Dela Cruz also credited Yee’s system with helping her rediscover herself as a player.
“Siguro ‘yung growth talaga. Super sarap din maglaro kay Coach Jerry, kasi hinahayaan niyang makilala mo ‘yung sarili mo, especially sa laro,” she said.
“Like big example rin ‘yung kanina sa court, siyempre may times na mapapagod ka rin, may pagkakataon na mawawala ka rin sa laro, pero hinahayaan ka niya. Sasabihin niya lang, ‘Balik,’ ganun.”
With a new environment and renewed trust, Jolina Dela Cruz hopes her PVL On Tour stint with the Thunderbelles becomes the first step toward returning to the level that once made her one of the country’s most promising outside hitters.
