Player Profile Series: The rise, pause, and return of Jov Gonzaga

In the ever-evolving world of volleyball, where new stars rise and seasoned veterans step aside, there are some names that never quite fade from the spotlight. Jovelyn Gonzaga, affectionately known as the “Bionic Illonga,” is one of those rare few whose story continues to unfold-gracefully, powerfully, and with relentless purpose.

Before she became one of Philippine volleyball’s most revered figures, Gonzaga was simply a determined student-athlete from Central Philippine University, where she captained the school's volleyball team with quiet strength and visible heart. It was there that the seeds of leadership, grit, and excellence were planted—traits that would soon carry her to the national stage.

In 2013, Gonzaga caught the nation’s attention when she was named Most Valuable Player of the Shakey’s V-League Season 10 Open Conference. 

She later called it a “pleasant surprise”—but for those who had seen her rise, it was anything but. Her ascent continued in 2014 when she joined the FEU Lady Tamaraws as a guest player, proving that her skills could shine in any lineup, at any level.

The years that followed would be a golden stretch for Gonzaga. In the 12th Season of the Shakey’s V-League, she was nearly unstoppable—earning a string of accolades that included:

Best Opposite Spiker – Open Conference

Best Opposite Spiker – Collegiate Conference

Most Valuable Player & Best Opposite Spiker – Reinforced Open Conference

Her dominance extended to the Philippine Super Liga (PSL), where she picked up multiple MVP and Best Opposite Spiker honors as a key force for both the Army Lady Troopers and the Cignal HD Spikers.

And yet, Gonzaga’s contributions have always gone beyond stats and trophies. She became the team captain of the Philippines women’s national volleyball team for the 2015 Southeast Asian Games, a testament to her leadership and the respect she commands on and off the court.

Not one to be confined to a single format, Gonzaga also made her mark in beach volleyball. In 2022, she teamed up with Sisi Rondina to win gold at the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour – Subic Bay Future, defeating fellow Filipinas in a thrilling final. 

It was a proud moment not just for her career, but for Philippine volleyball, showing the country’s growing prowess on the sand.

She also brought home bronze medals in:

2021 Southeast Asian Games (Quảng Ninh)

2019 ASEAN Grand Prix (Santa Rosa and Nakhon Ratchasima legs)

After briefly stepping away from the court following her 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) campaign with Cignal-where she helped the team claim a bronze medal—Gonzaga took a breather from indoor play. That season also marked the last time fans saw her suit up alongside longtime teammate and fellow veteran Rachel Anne Daquis.

But true athletes never stay away for long.

In a move that delighted fans and surprised few in the volleyball community, ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles announced in 2024 that Gonzaga would be returning to the PVL as their newest recruit. It was a reunion that had been quietly brewing—back in August, the coffee brand had already introduced her as an official ambassador.

Now, at 33 years old, the decorated spiker and active Philippine Army sergeant led a youthful Thunderbelles squad who were eager to rise from a forgettable last-place finish. She brought her veteran poise to a roster that includes Thea Gagate, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 PVL Draft, and CSB stars Cloanne Mondonedo, Gayle Pascual, and Mich Gamit.

Gonzaga’s veteran presence proved to be invaluable for ZUS Coffee during the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.

With her leadership and experience anchoring a young squad, the Thunderbelles closed the regular season with a 4-7 record, finishing as the 9th seed. Despite the odds, they topped their pool in the play-in tournament, earning a hard-fought spot in the playoffs.

Though their campaign ended at the hands of powerhouse Petro Gazz, the team’s performance marked a significant improvement from the previous conference, where they finished in last place.

Gonzaga’s return not only boosted team morale but also helped set a new, more competitive tone for the budding franchise.

With every jump, spike, and leadership call on the court, Jovelyn Gonzaga proves that her story is far from over. Whether it's defending the country’s colors, mentoring the next generation, or rallying a young club from the bottom, she remains a powerful force in Philippine volleyball—resilient, reliable, and ready for more.

Because legends, after all, don’t just retire—they return, and they redefine.