Miner joins forces with Gagate as ZUS Coffee builds towering frontline

ZUS Coffee’s wish list just got its most valuable check mark.

On a pivotal Sunday night at the Novotel Hotel, the Thunderbelles secured a cornerstone for their front line in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Rookie Draft by selecting Ateneo standout AC Miner with the fifth overall pick.

For head coach Jerry Yee, it was a strategic move months in the making. Back in the PVL Draft Combine, he openly declared the team’s desire to solidify its net defense and find the perfect complement to Thea Gagate, their first-ever top overall pick and an Alas Pilipinas standout. With Miner now in the fold, ZUS Coffee has landed exactly what it needed — a mobile, intelligent, and versatile middle blocker who thrives under pressure.

And Miner couldn’t be more thrilled.

“Siyempre, very excited ako na maging teammates with Thea Gagate, especially siya yung last year’s first round pick and also multiple awardees sa UAAP. So excited ako to work with her sa team,” shared the 5-foot-11 blocker, her smile lighting up the media room.

It’s a reunion of sorts — two former collegiate rivals now brought together under one net, with a shared mission of turning ZUS Coffee into a force in the PVL.

Miner’s path to the pros is a story of resilience and evolution. A three-time Best Middle Blocker in high school with FEU-Diliman, she later transferred to Ateneo de Manila University where she steadily honed her all-around game. Under the guidance of coach Sergio Veloso, she transformed into a utility piece — playing as an opposite spiker in several key moments of UAAP Season 87 and showing her adaptability when it mattered most.

Her time with the Blue Eagles taught her more than just new positions — it gave her perspective.

“Siguro, nothing is certain. Yun yung natutunan ko sa Ateneo, especially with everything that’s happened. And also, coming into this team na, I hope to rebuild also the team with the staff and the other players as well,” Miner reflected.