Jules Tolentino capped her first pro season as Petro Gazz’s lead setter and a PVL rookie champion, turning her tough UAAP exit into a breakout year.
Jules Tolentino’s rookie PVL season ended in the best way possible — as a rookie champion and now the lead setter for Petro Gazz.
The 23-year-old setter completed a turnaround she once thought was out of reach after a painful end to her UAAP career.
Confidence was once her biggest hurdle. But throughout the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference, Tolentino steadily found her footing, crediting the trust given by her coaches for helping her grow into the role.
“Ever since nung start talaga, sobrang nag-struggle ako with my confidence. And ‘yun nga, ever since nung na-start ako ng mga coaches, parang do'n ko siya nabuo,” Tolentino told One Sports.
“Parang bigla siya nag-click sa'kin na parang, ito na 'yung chance na matagal ko na inaantay, so bakit hindi ko pa siya inaantay? I'm really happy na nadala ko rin 'yung team hanggang Finals and nakuha namin ‘yung gold.”
From painful UAAP exit to PVL redemption
Tolentino’s PVL triumph also served as redemption from her collegiate heartbreak, where she ended her UAAP run without the championship she long chased.
“Siguro ‘yung mga last two points ganito, naiiyak na ako kasi parang nag-flashback sa'kin ‘yung nangyari sa'kin nun sa UAAP. Sobrang sakit 'yun na mag-exit ako dun na hindi ako nakapag-champion,” the No. 11 pick in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft said.
“Now, parang dinala ko 'yun hanggang ngayon kaya sabi ko, ngayon na nasa opportunity ako, ngayon na nasa Finals ako, parang ayoko na maulit ‘yun.”
A setter molded by legends
Tolentino also dedicated the victory to her former La Salle coaches, who first believed in her potential.
In fact, Tolentino was not even a setter when she started playing volleyball. It was at DLSU that head coach Ramil de Jesus shifted her career path and helped her discover a role she eventually embraced.
“‘Yung pagkapanalo rin today, sobrang in-offer ko din sa mga LaSalle coaches ko. Sobrang thankful ako kasi sila talaga 'yung unang nakakita ng potential sa'kin. So now na I'm in the pros, gusto ko rin gawin for them,” Tolentino shared.
“Kay Coach Ramil ko talaga na hanap ‘yung purpose ko. And may vision siya na hindi ko nakita, even for myself,” she added.
Jules Tolentino in action during the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference Finals. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
Now, in the pros, Tolentino continues to grow under the guidance of veteran Petro Gazz setters Chie Saet and Djanel Cheng, who have helped accelerate her development.
“Kasama ko sila mommy Chie, sila ate DJ, na nandyan din talaga lagi to guide me. I feel like sobrang fulfilling siya sa akin na parang habang kinaguide nila ako, parang doon din ako nag-grow as a player.”
[ALSO READ: Jules Tolentino points to veteran setters’ guidance in steering Petro Gazz to PVL Reinforced Finals]
With her newfound confidence, Tolentino only expects to get better here on out for the Angels, who end the year with two PVL titles.
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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.