Thea Gagate at the 2024 PVL Draft Rookie Combine on June 25, 2024. PVL Media Bureau
MANILA -- Thea Gagate, the projected number one pick of the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft, is grateful for the "blessing" of De La Salle Lady Spikers coach Ramil de Jesus.
Gagate said Tuesday during the PVL Draft Combine in Mandaluyong City that permissions and "proper" farewell were in place to maintain a good relationship with their collegiate team.
"For us, personally, 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," the La Salle tower told reporters.
"On my part, they already expected it even before Season 86. I’m thankful din kay Coach [Ramil de Jesus] na pinayagan niya ako wholeheartedly," she went on.
READ: PVL: ZUS Coffee targets Thea Gagate as No. 1 pick of Rookie Draft, says Yee
READ: ZUS Coffee to pick first in inaugural PVL Rookie Draft
Gagate is one of the 47 hopefuls of the maiden PVL Rookie Draft.
Earlier, coach Jerry Yee confirmed that ZUS Coffee will be using their first overall pick on the 6-foot-1 middle blocker.
Asked about her thoughts on the possibility of ZUS Coffee selecting her, the Alas Pilipinas stalwart said she's "honored" and "grateful" for it.
"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," she said.
The outgoing middle blocker of La Salle vowed to help ZUS Coffee, formerly Strong Group Athletics, improve its ranking in the league.
"For my part, 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."
Meanwhile, here's a closer look at the 23-year-old's vertical jump with approach during the Combine.
The rookie draft of the flourishing volleyball league will take place on July 8 before the 2024 Reinforced Conference.