By: Nicole Gonzales
Diza Berayo is ready for the next chapter of her volleyball career — but she’s not going far.
After spearheading National University–Nazareth School to back-to-back championships in the UAAP Season 88 High School Girls’ Volleyball Tournament, Berayo has confirmed she will stay with NU for her collegiate career.
“I trust the NU [volleyball program]. Parang, ‘nandito na ako sa program na ‘to, so ba’t pa ako aalis?’” Berayo said, affirming her decision to remain with the program.
The Lady Bullpups completed a clean sweep of Far Eastern University–Diliman in straight sets during Game 2 of the finals, with Berayo delivering a standout 14-point performance to secure the crown.
Her dominance on the court capped a high school career filled with accolades: two championships and one silver medal.
The 17-year-old from Negros Occidental also highlighted the hard work and dedication of her team, both on and off the court.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Most people parang iniisip na kasi ‘champion team yung NU, so magcha-champion lang talaga,’ but behind that, there’s a lot of things going on talaga na hindi nakikita ng most ng mga tao. So, sobrang grateful ako kasi never kami pinabayaan ni Lord,” she added.
Berayo’s individual accolades mirrored the Lady Bullpups’ team success.
She was named the season’s Most Valuable Player and Best Outside Spiker after racking up 199 points with a 36.09% attacking efficiency, closing her decorated high school stint on a high note.
“Actually, it [the awards] boost[s] me more, kasi parang nag-reminisce lang ako sa lahat nung napagdaanan ko,” Berayo said.
Reflecting on her growth within the NU program, Berayo noted the personal and athletic development that shaped her journey.
“Me, personally, in NU, parang I just started as a small kid with a big dream. And now I’m here, I have these awards. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect na magkakaroon ako ng awards na ganito,” she said.
For Berayo and the Lady Bullpups, the awards were just the icing on the cake; defending their championship was always the main goal.
While stars like Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon have already graduated from NU, Berayo — armed with talent, skill, and determination — is a young player to watch as she transitions to the collegiate level.
