AC Miner capped her first year as a professional player with ZUS Coffee by nabbing the Rookie of the Conference award and positioning herself for an even bigger role with the Thunderbelles moving forward.
Just months removed from her collegiate days in Katipunan, AC Miner has already carved her place among the PVL’s brightest young talents
Miner emerged as one of the key pieces behind ZUS Coffee’s breakthrough run, earning Rookie of the Conference honors in the 2025 Reinforced Conference.
The 23-year-old finished the tournament as one of the league’s top newcomers, ranking eighth in blocking with 0.55 per set and scoring 82 total points—second among all rookies at 10.25 per game.
She closed her season with a strong performance in the finals against Petro Gazz, delivering 16 points highlighted by six kill blocks that steadied the Thunderbelles’ net defense.
“Very fulfilling kasi first year ko and nakarating kami rito. ‘Di ako makakarating dito kung hindi dahil sa teammates ko, very grateful lang. Drinaft ako ng ZUS and very grateful sa playing time na ibinibigay nila sa akin. So I think mas marami pa kaming mararating in the future dahil sa nasimulan na ito,” Miner told reporters.
A confidence boost to build on
Miner admitted that her Rookie of the Conference award came as a surprise, but also as motivation.
AC Miner receives the Rookie of the Conference plum after her stellar performances throughout the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
“Siyempre very big confidence booster kasi 'di ko inaasahan na makakakuha pala ako ng ganitong award. Sana magtuluy-tuloy. But start pa lang ito so paninindigan ko itong award na ito,” she shared.
Adjusting from Ateneo to the pros
The No. 5 pick in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft also shared that the transition from Ateneo to the professional scene still feels unreal.
“Actually, 'di pa nagsi-sink in sa akin. Actually, 'di ako makapaniwala na nandito na ako sa PVL. Parang 'di pa rin ako maka-move on from Ateneo pero wala time talaga. So time will tell. So sana magtuluy-tuloy pa 'yung success ko with PVL,” she said.
[ALSO READ: AC Miner, Lyann De Guzman relish first PVL showdown after years together in Ateneo, FEU]
Despite the adjustment period, Miner quickly settled in as one of ZUS Coffee’s most reliable middle blockers—helping fuel the franchise’s best finish to date.
With a strong rookie campaign now behind her, Miner heads into the next PVL season with a bigger role and even higher expectations.
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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.