Thea Gagate will be bringing her talent to Japan after signing a deal with the Denso AiryBees for the upcoming season of the SV.League.

The AiryBees made the announcement on Friday, saying that the 6-foot-2 middle blocker from De La Salle University formally became the latest Filipino to join them.

Before Gagate, the top overall pick in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League Rookie Draft, setter Jia de Guzman and wing spiker Jaja Minowa reinforced the AiryBees in the prestigious Japanese club league.

“I am incredibly excited to join the Denso AiryBees family! This club has a history of excellence and a tradition of playing with collective energy,” the 26-year-old Gagate said in a statement.

“Joining the league with them is a massive opportunity. I see so much potential in what this squad can achieve, and I’m ready to give everything I have to contribute to that legacy. Let’s build something unforgettable!”

Aside from Gagate, De Guzman, and Minowa, other Filipinos who have campaigned in the SV.League are Marck Espejo, Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Maddie Madayag and Alyssa Solomon.

She will be the lone female Filipino player who will see action in the SV.League this season as Minowa had already moved to the San Francisco Signal in the United States. Still, Filipino players like Bryan Bagunas of the Osaka Blueton and Brian Castro of the Fragolad Kagoshima will be with her in Japan.

Before leaving for Japan, Gagate will play for Alas Pilipinas in the SEA V Cup in Vietnam and remains part of the national team’s pool for the 20th Asian Games.

Her departure will prompt the Thunderbelles to lean on their young middle blockers led by reigning National Collegiate Athletic Association Most Valuable Player Zam Nolasco, Riza Nogales, and rookie Alyanna Ong in the upcoming season of the PVL.