Thea Gagate is ready to embrace the pressure that comes with being the Premier Volleyball League’s No. 1 overall pick in the inaugural Rookie Draft slated on July 8.

The 6-foot-2 De La Salle University standout said she is ready to do whatever role that will be given to her to help improve the team.

“Di naman mawawala yung pressure pero for my part, kailangan ko lang yon i-put aside para mabigay ko yung kaya kong gawin para maiangat yung team,” said Gagate.

ZUS Coffee head coach Jerry Yee already bared his intention to select the Cebuana middle blocker after formally clinching the top pick during the draft lottery last Monday, June 24, saying they needed the height and mobility in their title campaign.

“I’m grateful kasi as an athlete, dun mo makikita na naa-appreciate nila yung hard work na pinapakita ko as a player. I'm very excited for the opportunity,” said Gagate.

Though she won various accolades that include Rookie of the Year honors in UAAP juniors and First Best Middle Blocker along with the UAAP women’s title with De La Salle, Gagate knows the PVL is a different scene.

“Kailangan ko pa ring patunayan yung sarili ko kasi iba naman yung level ng laro sa collegiate compared sa PVL,” she said, adding that she would also bring the experience she had with the Alas Pilipinas women’s volleyball team at the AVC Challenge Cup.

Gagate also noted the depth of young talents during the Draft Combine, a good sign to bolster the future of the league.

“Makikita mo yung tapat at confidence ng mga players na pumunta sa Draft Combine. Everyone’s just excited to showcase their talents and hopefully they get to a team,” she said.