Despite being the shortest import in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conferece, Anna DeBeer proved that height is not a problem after delivering a standout performance in ZUS Coffee's victory against Chery Tiggo.
Anna DeBeer proved that size isn’t everything in volleyball.
Standing at 5-foot-11, the shortest among all imports in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference, DeBeer delivered a monster performance in her much-awaited debut, powering ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles past Chery Tiggo in four sets, 25-15, 19-25, 25-20, 25-23, on Saturday at the City of Dasmariñas Arena.
DeBeer erupted for 37 points, built on 35 attacks, one block, and one ace, nearly matching the 38-point conference-high set by Farm Fresh’s Helene Rousseaux.
The explosive outing came just days after ZUS Coffee’s original opening-day win against Akari, which will be replayed following the import eligibility delay, allowing DeBeer to make her official mark on the tournament.
Height is just a number
Despite being the shortest among this year's crop of towering PVL imports, DeBeer said she has never let height define her game.
“Obviously, I think in the U.S., we’ve kind of brought it out like height doesn’t matter, so I really don’t think about it — I didn’t even know I was one of the shorter ones,” DeBeer said during the post-game press conference.
“Each game, I just work hard and try to work on the scout and figure out ways that we can get better from the last game.”
Anna DeBeer spikes the ball during ZUS Coffee's four-set win against Chery Tiggo in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference. | Photo: PVL
The Louisville product highlighted the importance of preparation in bridging the gap against taller opponents, pointing out how constant film study and focused training help her elevate her game.
“I think watching film is important [since] there’s always things to improve on. And that’s what we’re going to work on for the next game,” she added.
Chasing bigger goals
For DeBeer, the standout debut is only the beginning. The 24-year-old is determined to help the Thunderbelles contend for the franchise’s first PVL crown.
“Obviously, as a team, we want to win this thing. That’s why it’s super exciting to be in an environment with such a great team, with great staff, and be around good people where it’s fun to work hard every single day,” she shared.
“I’m really just excited to keep getting better and seeing how far we can go.”
ZUS Coffee now looks to ride the momentum as the Thunderbelles aim for back-to-back wins against the Galeries Tower Highrisers on Tuesday, October 14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.