When Dexter Clamor suddenly faced an unexpected pause in his coaching career following Cignal’s leave of absence from Spikers’ Turf, the six-time champion coach turned uncertainty into opportunity.
Clamor has now brought a long-held vision to life with Next Level VolleyCamp — a volleyball training program designed not only to develop the next generation of players, but also to give seasoned athletes a platform to pass on their knowledge and experience.
“Passion project ko talaga siya. As an educator by profession, bago ako nag-professional coach, talagang plano ko na siyang gawin,” Clamor shared.
For the Alas Pilipinas Men assistant coach, what began as an idea shelved for years due to league and national team commitments has finally become reality, proving that even an abrupt halt in competition can spark a new beginning.
“Wala lang time before since busy sa liga and commitment sa national team. Then when we were told about Cignal’s disbandment, it came to my mind na this is the perfect time to do it,” Clamor said.
“It was something that we really talked about for years kasi para din sa mga players na magre-retire na may pupuntahan sila na work or gagawin,” he added.
More than just a skills clinic, Clamor explained that the camp aims to bridge the gap between grassroots development and the semi-professional ranks. It can give aspiring players structured training and exposure that mirrors the demands of high-level competition.
(C) Next Level Camp
“By the term ‘Next Level,’ gusto namin talaga na yung mga magjo-join dito ay magle-level up yung skills nila sa volleyball. Marami na kasing volleyball camp na umuusbong dito sa Metro Manila, but for me, the difference is really opening our doors sa mga fans ng players to train with the best of the best in volleyball,” he said.
“The goal for this camp is really to train and develop future players by using my knowledge as professional coaching sa systems na natutuhan ko sa national team,” Clamor continued.
“Yung tipong hindi lang basta matuto sila ng basic — talagang magbigay kami ng tamang guidance for them not just to be better players, but also to be better individuals as well. That’s why our tagline is ‘Train Higher, Play Smarter,’ kasi iba yung level ng training for this camp.”
Attendees also gain firsthand knowledge from some of the country’s top-level players. Clamor has assembled a star-studded lineup of his former Cignal mentees — JP Bugaoan, EJ Casana, Vince Lorenzo, Lloyd Josafat, Wendel Miguel, Van Tracy Prudenciado, Alfred Valbuena, Sandy Montero, and Jared Schnake — all eager to share their skills with aspiring young volleyball players.
“Of course, I am very much thankful to them. Pamilya na kami eh, and having them supporting this project of mine, saying yes to giving time to coach and share their knowledge also in volleyball, sobrang nakakataba ng puso,” said the former NCAA Best Setter.
Clamor’s vision officially took shape last February 21, when the camp held its first session at the MIA Sports Center in Pasay, drawing high school players and volleyball enthusiasts eager to sharpen their craft.
The launch also saw support from current Cignal women’s players, including Vanie Gandler, Dawn Macandili, Ishie Lalongisip, and Jacky Acuna, who joined to share their experience and inspire the next generation of talent.
Since then, the camp has held numerous sessions, giving young athletes the chance to train under experienced mentors while learning both fundamentals and advanced skills that Clamor and his former players have mastered over the years.
Clamor admitted he never expected what happened with Cignal, calling the team’s sudden leave from the league both surprising and difficult. But he said he believes everything happens for a reason — and for him, this was the reason to finally bring Next Level VolleyCamp to life.
“To be honest, we never expected that it would happen to Cignal. Everything happened so fast, and all I can say is, siyempre, since it was sudden, nagulat at masakit for us. We have been in the league for years and pamilya na ang turingan namin talaga,” he said.
“So parting ways with everybody who was part of the team was really something that we never imagined. But ayun nga, sabi ko, baka nga it was God’s will to happen for me to pursue Next Level VolleyCamp kasi may time na and long overdue project na namin ito.”
