Out of anyone in the Philippines, the six-foot-five Jaja Santiago has the highest ceiling among all volleyball players.
Recently, the 2016 PSL Grand Prix Most Valuable Player has been spreading her wings and playing in different positions.
During the 2017 AVC Women’s Club Championship, the 21-year-old starred when the Rebisco-PSL squad went to Kazakhstan. Teamed with her fellow National Team campaigners, Santiago shone as the team’s go-to scoring option against the best Asian club teams.
Still, Santiago admits that she has a long way to go with all the potential she has yet to realize.
“Siguro, kung re-rate natin ngayon, nasa six or seven pa lang.
“Alam ko namang marami pa akong kulang and matutunan. Siguro nasa learning stage pa rin lang ako,” admitted the daugher of Tanza, Cavite when asked about her grasp on her role with the National Team.
If the Philippines will win a SEA Games medal for the first time in more than a decade, Santiago will have to play a major role.
Also, the team needs better preparation, making their Japan training camp timely.
“So far, hindi pa naman halos lahat nagte-training. Pero maganda naman ‘yung gelling. Siguro kung tumagal, lalo pang mag-iimprove pa,” expressed the incoming National University Bulldogs super senior.
“Siguro doon (Japan) kami talaga magkakakilala. Mag-gegel kami. Expected namin na magiging mahirap ‘yung training namin ang gagaling kami dahil doon.”
