Riza Nogales, once an overlooked draft pick, has become a key piece in ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles' unbeaten run in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference.
When the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft concluded, few would’ve predicted that a third-round pick would become one of the most dependable pieces of a title contender.
But for Riza Nogales, the label “steal of the draft” has proven to be more than just validation of all her hard work throughout the years.
Just a few months into her professional career, the 25th overall pick has already carved a spot in the spotlight with ZUS Coffee.
And in the Thunderbelles’ latest five-set comeback win over Akari Chargers, Nogales once again proved her worth, contributing 11 points in the all-around effort that kept ZUS Coffee’s perfect 5-0 record intact.
Steal of the draft?
For Nogales, the buzz around her rise isn’t something she ever expected or chased.
“Siguro ‘yun nga, thankful ako doon sa mga sumusuporta sa akin, sa mga nagmamahal na ‘yun, and doon sa mga taong hindi nakatulog nung draft team,” Nogales told One Sports with a laugh.
“Siyempre, maraming pa akong tatrabahuin para mas lalo pang makapag-perform. Thankful din ako kasi ‘yung team ko, malaki din ‘yung tiwala sa akin, and binibigyan ako ng playing time.”
Riza Nogales in action during ZUS Coffee's five-set victory over Akari in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference. | Photo: PVL
Since entering the league, the former UE Lady Red Warrior has been putting up solid numbers, especially in the blocking department. She even earned her recognition as the Second Best Middle Blocker in the 2025 PVL Invitational.
[ALSO READ: Riza Nogales turns draft-day doubts into Best Middle Blocker award in PVL Invitational]
When asked if she ever expected her transition to the professional stage to happen this fast, Nogales shook her head.
“Actually, hindi po,” she admitted. “Wala po talaga ‘yung ano sa'kin kasi parang UAAP days pa lang, sabi ko, paglaro lang ako, trabaho lang. Pag meron akong nakuhang award, parang bonus na lang po ‘yun sa'kin.”
“’Yung about sa award, hindi po talaga ako nag-expect as in, like, nagulat lang po talaga ako. Pero ‘yun, thankful kasi nakuha ko po ‘yung award,” she added.
Finding home with ZUS Coffee
Of course, the fit with ZUS Coffee couldn’t have been better for the 22-year-old middle blocker.
In a team full of veterans and new faces, she’s found both guidance and growth, where she’s trusted to contribute and encouraged to learn.
“Sobrang thankful ako kasi kinuha nila ako,” she said. “Yung mga teammates ko, sobrang bait, lagi nila akong gina-guide, ‘yung maturity nila, pinapasa nila sa amin. And then sa coaches, malaking bagay ‘yung tiwala. Every game, ‘yung tiwala, ‘yun po.”
As the Thunderbelles continue to defy expectations, so will Nogales.
—
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.