ILAGAN, Isabela — The final chapter of Zam Nolasco’s collegiate career may have ended in heartbreak, but it also marked the beginning of a new mission.
Continuing her partnership with coach Jerry Yee at ZUS Coffee, the reigning NCAA Most Valuable Player hopes to build on the foundation they established at College of Saint Benilde and pursue the goals that slipped away during her final collegiate season.
“Parang sinabihan niya po ako during training dito sa ZUS. Sinabi niya sa akin, ‘Dito na lang kami kumuha ng championship,’ which is okay,” shared Nolasco after Benilde’s bid for a fifth straight NCAA title was denied by Letran in the Season 101 Finals last April.
“Makakabawi pa ako kasi marami pa namang time para mag-prepare at marami pang games kami na pagsasamahan ni coach.”
Nolasco had previously suited up for Farm Fresh in 2023 under a Games and Amusements Board-issued special guest player license. She signed with the Thunderbelles ahead of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League on Tour Showdown.
Her previous stint with the Foxies exempted her from the Rookie Draft, paving the way for a reunion with Yee as she transitioned to the professional ranks.
(C) PVL Images
“Same lang din po ng coach sa college, tapos same lang sa pro, so parang direct na po talaga. Pinag-usapan na rin namin ni Coach Je na ayun yung plano after college. Ayun po, okay naman po siya sa akin,” said Nolasco.
Having already experienced the professional game during her time with Farm Fresh, Nolasco admitted the transition to becoming a full-time PVL player has gone much smoother than she expected.
“’Di naman po sobrang (pressured) kasi na-experience ko na po siya before. Malaking bagay na po ‘yan sa akin. Na-experience ko na yung PVL, so I know na ganito yung feeling, ganito yung makipaglaro sa ibang pro,” she said.
“Sa teammates, wala kasi kilala ko naman po sila. Noong college ako, parang nakakalaro na rin po namin yung ZUS sa tune-up.”
The smooth adjustment quickly translated into results, as Nolasco made an immediate impact in her debut for ZUS Coffee.
She finished with 15 points built on 11 attacks and four kill blocks to lead the Thunderbelles to a victory over Akari, 25-11, 25-23, 26-28, 25-17, at the Capital Arena here.
With a strong first outing behind her, Nolasco is now focusing on becoming a reliable and consistent contributor for the Thunderbelles throughout the season.
