Rachel Daquis joins ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles after leaving Farm Fresh Foxies

In a move that has sent ripples through the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles pulled off what many are calling a coup by signing Filipino volleyball veteran Rachel Daquis from sister team Farm Fresh Foxies. The versatile hitter became a free agent in 2025, opening the door for a high-profile transfer between the two teams.

Daquis, a standout for the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), initially signed with Farm Fresh in October 2024 amid high expectations following more than a year-long hiatus from competitive play. However, despite her vast experience and decorated career, she struggled to find regular playing time with the Foxies, who opted to give younger attackers a chance to develop.

The move was closely monitored by league officials, with PVL control committee chairman Sherwin Malonzo clarifying why the transfer was approved despite the two teams being sister squads.

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“Dumaan sa akin ‘yung move last year. Finished contract si Daquis. Nag-free agent siya after pero she decided to sign with ZUS. As a free agent, she is free to choose the team she wants to transfer to,” Malonzo explained, emphasizing that Daquis’ status as a free agent made the transfer fully compliant with league rules.

🇵🇭 Outside Hitter Rachel Anne Daquis has officially joined the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles for the upcoming season.#PVL2026 #volleyball pic.twitter.com/bc48Z9NFkp

— Volleytrails (@volleytrails) January 26, 2026

The PVL has long maintained a structured “showcase period” to manage free agent movements and prevent conflicts of interest, particularly between sister teams. Initially set at one month at the end of 2024, the period was eventually reduced to 15 calendar days to streamline player transitions and ensure competitive balance.

“Ang huling usapan namin, isang buwan ang showcase period pero masyadong matagal. Tapos nauwi nga sa 15 calendar days. I think that was the last, so we will just publish it and then eventually release it by the end of the year in 2024,” Malonzo added, underscoring the league’s efforts to maintain transparency and fairness in player movements.

Daquis’ resume speaks volumes about her impact on the court. Beyond her FEU exploits, she has accumulated numerous individual and team honors throughout her career and represented the Philippine women’s national volleyball team from 2015 to 2017. Her combination of skill, leadership, and experience makes her a major asset for the Thunderbelles as they aim to climb the PVL standings.

Off the court, Daquis has already begun laying the groundwork for life after volleyball. In September 2023, she attended a prestigious coaching clinic in the United States, gaining insights into advanced training methods and team management. She has also pursued her passion for culinary arts, enrolling at the International School for Culinary Arts and Hotel Management (ISCAHM) in Quezon City—an institution founded by the father of her former Cignal teammate, Vanie Gandler.

With her unique blend of experience, versatility, and off-court ambition, Rachel Daquis’ arrival at ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles is more than just a player transfer—it signals a renewed competitive push for the franchise, and a veteran presence capable of mentoring younger players while elevating the team’s championship aspirations.

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