Player Profile Series: Jonah Sabete’s leap from grit to glory

Jonah Sabete’s journey to becoming a standout volleyball player is one of determination, heart, and humble beginnings. Born on January 29, 1994, in the quiet town of Kabankalan, Negros Occidental, Jonah’s early life was far from the bright lights of major volleyball arenas. 

As a child, she was a marathon runner — a testament to her endurance and grit — but it wasn’t until a coach convinced her to try volleyball that her true path began to unfold.

Moving away from her hometown, Jonah attended San Pedro High School in Hagonoy, Bulacan, where she started to carve her name in the sport. 

“Even if I had to study by myself, I did everything I could because I had a dream,” she once said, revealing the fire that kept her going despite challenges.

Standing at 5-foot-6, Jonah wasn’t the tallest on the court, but she made up for it with incredible vertical leaps and fierce determination. Her powerful attacks and unwavering commitment made her a key player for Bulacan’s volleyball team in the Central Luzon Regional Athletic Association (CLRAA), where she proved that heart and skill can outmatch physical stature.

Jonah’s college years were spent at Bulacan State University, proudly representing the BulSU Gold Gears. 

Her hard work and talent earned her numerous accolades: she was named to the 2014 Bulacan Collegiate Athletic Association (BCAA) Mythical Six, crowned MVP and Athlete of the Year in 2015, and repeated as Athlete of the Year in 2016. She also made the UCLAA Mythical Six, solidifying her status as one of Bulacan’s brightest volleyball stars.

Her transition to the professional league came in 2016 when she was drafted seventh overall by the Standard Insurance-Navy Corvettes in the Philippine Super Liga (PSL). She then spent two seasons with the Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors, continuing to sharpen her skills against some of the country’s best players.

In 2018, Jonah joined the Petro Gazz Angels in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), where she became a cornerstone of the team. That same year, she helped Petro Gazz claim their first-ever Reinforced Conference title — a historic moment for the club. In 2019, Jonah and the Petro Gazz Angels proudly represented the Philippines at an international volleyball tournament in Taichung, Taiwan. Even through the disruptions brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, Jonah’s dedication never wavered.

She briefly returned to Sta. Lucia when they moved to the PVL in 2022 but came back to Petro Gazz the following year. 

Despite battling an injury early in 2025, Jonah played a vital role in helping Petro Gazz secure their first-ever All-Filipino Conference championship, a proud milestone in her career. She also showcased her skills internationally during the 2025 AVC Women’s Volleyball Champions League, where her team reached the quarterfinals.

Jonah’s love for volleyball isn’t limited to the indoor court. She also competed in beach volleyball, teaming up with Bianca Lizares and later Bang Pineda for Sta. Lucia’s beach volleyball squad in various PSL Beach Volleyball Challenge Cups.

From a marathoner in a small town to a celebrated volleyball star on national and international stages, Jonah Sabete’s story is a powerful reminder that dreams, grit, and hard work can take you far — no matter where you start.