Player Profile Series: Joy Dacoron, blocker with a purpose

Mary Joy Dacoron, born on October 11, 1995, is a Filipino professional volleyball player currently playing as a middle blocker for the Petro Gazz Angels in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL). Hailing from Oslob, Cebu and raised in Balamban, Dacoron has built a reputation not just as a solid presence on the court, but also as a woman of resilience, intelligence, and heart.

Her journey in volleyball began when she was scouted by Fr. Max Rendon, CM, then Vice President for Finance at Adamson University, during her senior year of high school. 

She moved to Manila to pursue her studies and was granted an athletic scholarship. Initially aspiring to take up BS Accountancy, she eventually shifted to BSBA Financial Management due to the demands of her volleyball training.

Dacoron started as a developmental player for two years with Adamson’s Team B. It was not until UAAP Season 77 that she was officially part of the women’s volleyball roster, although she spent most of that season on the bench.

Her breakthrough game happened in the UAAP Season 79 under head coach Air Padda, who helped unlock her full potential. By Season 80, she was recognized as one of the top middle blockers in the league.

Despite a difficult campaign in Season 81, Dacoron remained grateful for her five years with Adamson, saying, “Adamson is my life. I stayed in Adamson, so it’s already in my blood.”

What sets Dacoron apart is her dedication not just to sport, but also to education. 

After completing her undergraduate degree, she pursued a Master in Business Administration (MBA) at Adamson and even taught undergraduate classes. She is currently working on her doctorate, proving that academic success and athletic excellence can go hand-in-hand.

Throughout her collegiate and professional journey, Dacoron has faced her share of challenges. She admitted that balancing academics with volleyball was difficult, especially given the demanding training and game schedules.

However, she credits her teammates, friends, and family for providing the support system she needed to keep going. She also emphasized how being a team player helped her survive both in school and in the sport.

Dacoron’s professional volleyball career includes stints with the Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors, BanKo Perlas Spikers, Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Crossovers, Cignal HD Spikers, and F2 Logistics Cargo Movers before joining the Petro Gazz Angels. 

She earned recognition in the PVL when she was named the 2nd Best Middle Blocker in the 2018 Reinforced Conference.

Dacoron’s relentless pursuit of excellence paid off in a major way as she helped lead the Petro Gazz Angels to the 2024–25 PVL All-Filipino Conference championship, further solidifying her reputation as one of the league’s most dependable and battle-tested middle blockers.

In addition to her volleyball and academic achievements, Dacoron also showcased her versatility off the court by being selected as one of the top 40 official candidates for Binibining Pilipinas in a past edition of the prestigious national beauty pageant. This rare feat of crossing over from sports to pageantry reflects her poise, confidence, and multifaceted personality.

Dacoron is also passionate about giving back. During the off-season, she organizes grassroots volleyball clinics and participates in volunteer programs. Her advocacy is simple yet powerful: “Be the anchor of your dream and the testimony of how sports change one’s life.”

As she balances her life as an athlete, educator, and advocate, Mary Joy Dacoron remains a shining example of how determination, discipline, and purpose can turn dreams into reality—on and off the court.