Veteran Jovelyn Gonzaga has seen every challenge imaginable in her volleyball career, and her latest one—leading the young Zus Coffee Thunderbelles—is particularly challenging.
The early returns suggest Gonzaga is embracing this challenge like the seasoned veteran she is. And now the team—winless last season—has its first ever PVL victory to show for it.
Gonzaga was instrumental in that historic first win against the Nxled Chameleons, finishing with 23 points built on 20-for-30 attacks and 3 blocks on top of 12 digs.
For her efforts, PVL scribes voted the 33-year-old as the PVL Press Corps Player of the Week for November 19–23. She is the second player of the week of the PVL All-Filipino Conference after Ivy Lacsina of the Akari Chargers.
Taking on a Bigger Leadership Role
As the undisputed veteran of Zus, Gonzaga is ultimately tasked with leading her fellow Thunderbelles, who had lost 20 straight games prior to their breakthrough against Nxled. With that elusive first win secured, the experienced hitter believes her team is trending in the right direction slowly but surely.
“‘Yung team kasi galing na kay coach Jerry [Yee]. Kailangan talaga namin ng exposure. Experience and exposure tuloy-tuloy na laro hanggang makapa namin, hangga’t ma-consistent namin, hanggang magkaroon kami ng total na chemistry,” Gonzaga said after Zus beat Nxled. “Pag dating naman sa training, bawat isa kasi, ‘yun lagi kong sinasabi, masipag sila, puno sila ng potential. So, more on exposure, unti-onti lang. One step at a time, one game at a time, we will get there.”
Gonzaga knows all about consistency and exposure—and the nitty-gritty that comes with developing a winning mindset and culture. That alone makes her an invaluable member of Zus Coffee and a big key to transforming the team into a future winner.
The Thunderbelle beat out Creamline Smasher Bea de Leon, PLDT High Speed Hitter Savi Davidson, Cignal HD Spiker Gel Cayuna, Petro Gazz Angel Brooke Van Sickle, and Choco Mucho Flying Titan Sisi Rondina.
