After years of just connecting via social media due to distance, Clifford Miner finally got to be there in person for his daughter AC as the former Ateneo standout was drafted 5th in the 2025 PVL Draft.
Clifford Miner was finally able to take the reins in leading his daughter to the next step of her volleyball career, flying to the Philippines to see Ateneo standout AC selected by ZUS Coffee in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft.
Having taken a back seat in his daughter’s life owing to the fact that he lived in the United States, Clifford was able to have a front-row view to a major development in AC’s career — one that he has been supporting from afar.
[READ: Lyann De Guzman, AC Miner highlight UAAP stars in first round of 2025 PVL Draft]
“I’ve always told her throughout the years, you know, just be the best, do the best that you can do. Play [like a] team player. There’s no I in team," the elder Miner said of AC.
"So, you know, it’s always been a positive input to her to make sure that she plays her game and just do her best," he added.
But when the time came for AC to move on to a bigger level in her career, Clifford just couldn’t stand to the side.
So, Clifford booked a trip to the Philippines to watch AC get drafted fifth overall by the Thunderbelles. For the patriarch, this was a big moment in Miner’s career, which will inevitably open more doors for his daughter.
“It’s like a culmination of all these years of her playing volleyball. You know, this is like the pivotal point — to go pro and to be selected for the next level of play. So looking forward to her getting a good team and doing well at this next level,” he said.
For AC, meanwhile, it was the cherry on top for a lot of blessings in her life especially in the days leading up to the PVL Draft.
Right after getting drafted, Miner said that she was feeling on cloud nine, and having her dad that rarely was able to join her in person, was simply an added bonus.
“For my dad being here, I’m very very happy he had the time to come here and watch me get drafted. I’m just very thankful for everything that’s been happening these past few days,” she said.
Headed for a new chapter in her career, Miner said that she is looking forward to helping the Thunderbelles usher in a new era of volleyball — especially after a breakthrough season that had last year’s no. 1 pick Thea Gagate leading the charge.
Joining forces with a former collegiate rival, Miner is happy to take on the challenge of the pros.
“Syempre very excited ako na maging teammates with Thea Gagate especially siya yung last year’s first round pick and also multiple awardees sa UAAP so excited ako to work with her sa team,” she said.
“[Yung lesson ko from Ateneo is] nothing is certain. Yun yung natutunan ko sa Ateneo, especially with everything that’s happened. And also, coming into this team na I hope to rebuild also the team with the staff and the other players as well,” she added.
ZUS Coffee drafted four players — Miner, Mycah Go, Riza Nogales, and Angela Jackson.