Player Profile Series: Thea Gagate’s rise to volleyball stardom

In a sea of rising stars in Philippine volleyball, one name continues to shine brighter with each spike and block—Thea Gagate. 

Born on July 26, 2000, the towering middle blocker from De La Salle University (DLSU) has carved her own path from a promising rookie to a key figure in both the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) and the Philippine national team.

Gagate’s first taste of collegiate volleyball came in 2020, wearing the green and white jersey of the DLSU Lady Spikers. It was a dream come true, but the dream was short-lived. 

The UAAP Season 82 was abruptly canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, putting a halt to her much-anticipated debut season.

But even when the world paused, Thea didn’t stop. She trained, stayed ready, and waited for her moment.

In 2022, the UAAP roared back to life. Thea, now no longer a rookie but still with much to prove, stepped onto the court with focus and fire. Her performance in Season 84 spoke volumes.

She helped lead the Lady Spikers to a runner-up finish, losing only to the dominant National University (NU) lady Bulldogs in the Finals. Despite the loss, Thea’s impact didn’t go unnoticed—she was named the 1st Best Middle Blocker, a testament to her defensive prowess and court awareness.

It wasn’t just a personal victory. It was a statement: Thea Gagate had arrived.

By 2023, Thea and the Lady Spikers were on a mission. After a five-year championship drought, they clawed their way back to the top in UAAP Season 85, bringing home the title and restoring La Salle’s legacy. For Thea, the championship was more than just a medal—it was a reward for perseverance, teamwork, and growth.

She continued her consistent performance in other leagues as well, helping the Lady Spikers to a title in the Shakey’s Super League Invitationals, and later placing third in UAAP Season 86.

Looking back on her early games, it’s hard to forget her memorable performance in the intense La Salle vs Ateneo rivalry. It was during this high-pressure match that the young middle blocker truly showed what she was made of. Scoring 10 points—5 attacks and 5 solid blocks—Thea held her ground like a seasoned veteran.

But behind that calm face was a storm of nerves.

“Hearing the drums and the loud crowd from the dugout, I was really nervous,” she admitted. “But I tried to relax. I reminded myself that it’s me who’s playing on the court, not them.”

Guided by the words and support of her senior teammates and coaches, Thea channeled her nerves into performance. Their experience helped ground her in those crucial moments.

And facing old teammates like Faith Nisperos—whom she played alongside at National University during her high school days—only added to the drama. “There was tension because we knew each other’s movements,” she shared. “But that familiarity helped me perform better.”

Before her rise in the collegiate ranks, Thea was already a force in high school volleyball. As part of the NU Nazareth School Lady Bullpups, she clinched back-to-back championships in UAAP Seasons 78 and 79, earning accolades like Rookie of the Year and Best Middle Blocker.

2024 marked another milestone: Thea was called up to represent the Philippines in the national women’s volleyball team. Competing in the Asian Challenge Cup and the SEA V.League, she helped the country earn multiple bronze medals, proving she is not just a star in collegiate and professional leagues—but on the international stage as well.

Currently, Thea Gagate plays for the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in the Premier Volleyball League, where she continues to grow her game and inspire fans with every match.

From that nervous rookie debut to becoming one of the country’s most dependable middle blockers, Thea’s journey is far from over. 

It’s a story of resilience, grace under pressure, and quiet determination. And with every block and every win, she’s not just playing for herself—she’s playing for every young athlete who dreams of rising, just like she did.