Ateneo de Manila University setter Jaja Maraguinot made a shocking announcement on Saturday morning.
Speaking in front of fans during the Blue Eagles’ Fans Day held at the university’s campus, the 21-year-old playmaker announced that she will not be returning to Ateneo for the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament.
“I have decided to take a new path, to look for and take new opportunities, and to learn more outside of Ateneo. I could say that I am ready as Ateneo has prepared me for the past four years,” she said.
“I am Jaja Maraguinot, jersey number six of the Ateneo Blue Eagles, now signing off.”
Maraguinot, the sister of former Ateneo standout Jho, started her collegiate career in Season 81. Unfortunately, though, the COVID-19 pandemic halted her sophomore season.
In Season 84, she led the Blue Eagles to the final spot in the Final Four after beating Adamson University in the playoff.
Ateneo then took out the Eya Laure-led University of Sto. Tomas in the quarterfinals of the stepladder semis. It eventually lost to second-seed De La Salle University in the semifinals.
“Ateneo has been my dream school ever since high school and it’s been an honor to be able to represent and study here in Ateneo,” Maraguinot said in front of Ateneo fans.
“Kung sino ‘man ako ngayon, Ateneo ang nag turo sa akin non. Pero yung pagkabaliw ko po, coaches na yung nag turo sa akin non. Ayan, si Coach O [Almadro], si Coach Vince [Mangulabnan]. Pero kung ano ‘man yung mga natutunan ko sa Ateneo, I’ll make sure na dadalhin ko yun kahit saan ‘man ako magpunta.“
Also bidding the Blue Eagles goodbye earlier was libero Dani Ravena.
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