Player Profile Series: Gayle Pascual, Blazing Her Own Trail

In the world of collegiate volleyball, some stars shine quietly, only to blaze brightly when the time is right. 

Jhasmin Gayle Pascual, born on August 3, 1999, is one such star—a powerful opposite hitter whose journey with the Benilde Lady Blazers became a story of resilience, dominance, and triumph.

When Pascual first stepped onto the court for the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in NCAA Season 95, expectations were high. She was poised to make her mark—but fate had other plans. The season, like many sports events in 2020, came to an abrupt halt as the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe. For Pascual and her teammates, it was a moment of heartbreak and uncertainty, a pause in what could have been a breakout year.

But champions are not only defined by trophies—they are also shaped by how they bounce back.

Two years later, the NCAA returned with renewed vigor in Season 97. The Lady Blazers came back with something to prove, and Pascual emerged as one of their most vital weapons. With her powerful spikes and unshakable composure, she led the team to their second NCAA title—their first since Season 90. 

Her performance earned her the Finals Most Valuable Player award, a fitting recognition for someone who had waited years for her moment.

The momentum didn’t stop there. In NCAA Season 98, Pascual and the Lady Blazers defended their crown, capturing back-to-back championships. Pascual was again in the spotlight, this time as the league's Best Opposite Hitter. Her ability to read defenses, deliver crucial points, and bring energy to every play made her one of the most feared attackers in the league.

The 2024 season—NCAA Season 99—was the culmination of a dynasty in the making. The Lady Blazers clinched a historic third straight title, and Pascual once again took home Finals MVP honors, etching her name permanently in NCAA lore.

Beyond the NCAA, Pascual’s excellence caught the attention of the professional scene. She suited up for the Farm Fresh Foxies in 2023 and later joined the Zus Coffee Thunderbelles in 2024, continuing her ascent in the sport. 

Her accolades followed her into the V-League, where she earned the Finals MVP and Best Opposite Hitter awards in the collegiate division. In the 2024 PNVF Champions League, she once again stood tall as the Best Opposite Hitter.

Her efforts didn’t go unnoticed by the sports media, as she was named the 2023 NCAA Collegiate Player of the Year by the Collegiate Press Corps—an honor reserved for athletes who have truly left a mark.

From the silence of an empty gym in a cancelled season to the roar of crowds celebrating a three-peat championship run, Jhasmin Pascual’s journey is a testament to patience, perseverance, and passion. 

As she continues to rise in the volleyball world, one thing is clear: Pascual is not just a player—she’s a story worth telling.