Jovelyn Gonzaga says finding happiness and a healthy team environment has fueled ZUS Coffee’s 4-0 start in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference.
Jovelyn Gonzaga is rediscovering her happiness in volleyball — and it shows in ZUS Coffee’s perfect 4-0 start in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference.
The veteran leader couldn’t hide her amazement at how quickly the Thunderbelles have built chemistry and winning pedigree, describing the team’s ongoing run as both “overwhelming” and “fulfilling.”
“Hanggang ngayon naka-amaze pa rin ako,” said Gonzaga. “Sobrang na-amaze ako sa performance namin, and nakikita naman na it’s a total team effort.”
“‘Yung gulat nandiyan talaga eh, na-amaze ako, na-overwhelm ako sa nagiging performance ng bawa't isa pero kasi, nagsisimula ‘yung sa training ‘yun.”
Finding happiness again
Beyond the wins, Gonzaga said the biggest difference for ZUS Coffee this time is the joy and positivity within the team.
Jovelyn Gonzaga with ZUS Coffee during their straight-sets win over Petro Gazz. | Photo: PVL
The infectious energy, according to Gonzaga, has made ZUS Coffee’s rise feel more organic — a result of trust, openness, and collective work.
“May bumisita nga sa amin, tinanong ko anong napapansin mo sa team? Sabi niya, during the game kasi lagi kami masaya,” she shared.
“Napakapagod siya, pero masaya rin. ‘Yun siguro ang pinakamasarap sa feeling — pupunta ka sa training, magta-trabaho ka, at the same time healthy ‘yung environment.”
Right people at the right time
Gonzaga, of course, credited American reinforcement Anna DeBeer for giving the Thunderbelles an added spark both on and off the court.
[ALSO READ: PVL: Anna DeBeer delivers inspired performance in front of mom]
DeBeer has been the consensus top import during the conference, averaging 28.8 points per game while also having two 37-point outings.
“Siguro ‘yung mindset din talaga, and building team eh, so naluluto pa kami, binubuo pa kami — ‘yung chemistry,” Gonzaga said. “I-credit ko si Anna [kasi] nun pag-insert niya sa team, may nag-add ng fuel sa amin para mas mabubuo kami lalo.”
“Siguro ‘yun ‘yung sabi ko kanina na parang tamang tao sa tamang panahon ‘yung pinagsama. Hopefully, tuloy-tuloy.”
With a 4-0 record and a strong team bond to back it up, ZUS Coffee has quickly transformed from a dark horse to a legitimate title contender in the conference.
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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.