Jillian Santos is no stranger to learning under established systems.
From honing her skills at National University Nazareth School and University of Santo Tomas in high school, then briefly journeying at Ateneo de Manila University for one year, Santos made the leap of faith to study and hone her volleyball skills at the University of Illinois Chicago in Division 1 play of the United States’ NCAA.
After three years at UIC — where she was named team captain while graduating summa cum laude with an undergraduate degree in Psychology — the 5-foot-10 opposite hitter came back to her roots.
Beyond personal reasons, the decision to come back home to the Philippines was a no-brainer decision for Santos, especially when she got the chance to learn under a decorated coach in Ramil de Jesus and star players like Angel Canino and Shevana Laput at De La Salle University.
“I think it all just boils down to gratitude again, to be able to work with the best of the best, you know, Coach Ramil’s system, and his history as a head coach, he’s one of the greatest of all time,” Santos told reporters after the Lady Spikers’ straight-sets win over the University of the East Lady Warriors in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Saturday afternoon at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
She had six points, four excellent receptions, and four excellent digs in the match.
“I’m grateful to be under his mentorship right now, and of course, beside my teammates. They’re incredible teammates, you know, and like, every day we build each other up, you know… We challenge each other to get better, and you know, that’s what makes this fun,” she added.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Laput had learned under established high school programs like the Lady Bullpups and the Junior Golden Tigresses, before making a brief stop at a powerhouse squad like the Blue Eagles, then representing UIC in the United States.
The journeywoman in Santos believed that all of these stints proved vital in ultimately shaping her self — both as an athlete and a person.
“I look back on it — it’s like they were chapters in my life.
“They all helped lead me to this moment. And with each system, you always take away something great that the team does. It’s kudos to all of the coaches I’ve been through. They’ve really all imparted something on me that I carry with me to this day. You know, I’m just really grateful for every opportunity,” Santos shared, whose mother (Gieneen) is a La Salle alumna.
As a wing spiker in a stacked La Salle lineup that includes the likes of Canino, Laput, and Malaluan — who are all included in the PNVF’s 33-player wishlist for three major international tournaments for Alas Pilipinas — it comes as no surprise that Santos is often on the outside looking in.
Despite the limited play and minutes, Santos remains steadfast, emerging as a silent leader and fresh presence in the Lady Spikers’ pursuit of a twice-to-beat incentive for their Final Four run.
“I always tell the girls that I’m here for it. I’m your support.
“I hope that my presence on the team offers a fresh perspective — and, you know, support if they need it. I’m always there to guide them as an ate. And yeah, just be… I’m just there for them. That’s my main goal. That’s my main reason for this,” the Clinical Psychology master’s student concluded.
#WATCH: Jill Santos opens up about her adjustment phase, embracing the challenge and trusting Coach Ramil de Jesus’s winning system 🏐
📹 @ernesttuazon /UAAP Season 87 Media Team#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/gWs4FOylO8
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) April 5, 2025
