JOVELYN Gonzaga has worn countless hats in her storied volleyball career.
At 34, she’s the eldest on ZUS Coffee’s court - and she’s more than fine with that.
“Tanggap ko ‘yan,” the veteran said with a smile.
In the Thunderbelles’ fairy tale run to their first-ever PVL Finals, Gonzaga has leaned on the hat that matters most: being the steadying presence when the going gets toughest.
Even so, she was at a loss for words when she realized that this 13-month-old squad is just one win away from an improbable first crown.
“Sobra akong out of words sa mga nangyayari kasi wala talaga kaming expectation. Nandiyan lang kami (seniors) at ‘yung mga bata na pinalalaro,” Gonzaga said.
“Hindi ko talaga ma-explain, pero nakita niyo naman na bawat isa, nilaban nang may puso.”
On the court, Gonzaga continues to deliver from the right wing as a veteran opposite, averaging 6.5 points per match across two playoff sweeps and tallying 40 points in the group stage.
'Ate Jov' brings the thunder
But the role she values most is being the team’s 'Ate Jov,' the voice of calm who preaches the essence of a pressure-free mind, even if it means sacrificing her own numbers.
“‘Yung ugali kasi ng team, talagang hina-highlight ko palagi, kung gaano ka-committed ‘yung team, kung gaano kakalmado yung team namin, kung gano'n kami ka-selfless sa bawat isa that we perform for each other and with each other,” she said.
“Lalo kaming mag-eenjoy (sa finals). Lalo kaming mawawalan ng pressure sa balikat namin kasi once na mag-build up yung doubts, du’n papasok yung pressure.”
On a personal note, Gonzaga sought a new lease on her volleyball career over a year ago. But reaching the finals for the first time as a pro has exceeded even her wildest dreams.
“Lumipat ako ng team because gusto kong bumalik ‘yung passion ko. Hindi ko in-expect talaga na makakabalik pa ako sa finals. Thank you, ZUS Coffee,” she said.
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