As the realization set in that their collegiate journeys had come to an end, De La Salle University outside hitters Vince Maglinao and Noel Kampton reflected on a meaningful era wearing the green and white — an era where they helped bring the men’s volleyball program back to relevance after years of struggling in the shadows.
Their four-set loss to Far Eastern University in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Tournament semifinals meant the Green Spikers ended their campaign in fourth place — for the third consecutive year.
Although they never reached the finals nor secured a podium finish, their sense of pride remained unshaken. They will be remembered as Green Spikers who poured their hearts into every match and played with relentless commitment.
“First of all, thank you po kasi di kami makikilala sa UAAP kung hindi dahil sa coaches namin,” said Kampton. “Siyempre, yun nga, hindi kami nakapag-finals ulit for three straight years. Okay lang (kasi) para sa amin, ang importante kasi walang na-injure sa amin at sa mga kalaban namin — yun yung pinaka-okay talaga.
“Siguro yung legacy na maiiwan namin ay yung winning culture sa La Salle at yung nababalik sa Taft na nasa Final Four kami kasi matagal din nawala. Who knows? Maybe next season mag-ibang storya kasi may mga rookies kami na papasok. Thank you lang din sobra. Nao-overwhelm ako sa last playing year namin ni Vince. Thank you po.”
Climbing from being a Final Four team to becoming legitimate championship contenders and, eventually, champions is no easy feat. Everything must align — from off-season preparation to in-season execution.
Watching National University and University of Santo Tomas battle for the title in recent years surely stung. There was always the lingering question of “what if” things had played out differently for La Salle.
Now, Maglinao and Kampton are setting their sights beyond the collegiate ranks, but not without leaving behind a few words of encouragement for those who will continue the journey.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Siguro for my teammates, ang masasabi ko lang ay to dream big kasi kapag may pangarap ka, kung gusto mo yung pangarap mo, kung mahal mo yung ginagawa mo — gagawin mo yung lahat,” said Maglinao.
“Take care of yourself kasi it’s very important na you’re healthy physically, mentally, and emotionally. Kailangan every game, always a 101%. For my teammates na maiiwan ko, I have taught them everything na kaya kong maturo sa kanila. I guess next season, it’s their time. Time na nila yun.”
As for what lies ahead, nothing is definite yet. For graduating UAAP athletes, the period after their final playing year often comes with uncertainty. Some quickly land spots on club teams locally or abroad, while others need to stay patient and continue working to earn their opportunity.
For Maglinao, it’s a time to rest and reflect.
“To be honest, rest (first),” he said. “I’m not really certain about what I’m gonna do after, but I’ll just leave it to God and whatever God’s plan is.”
Kampton, one of La Salle’s most consistent scorers during his three-year stint, plans to prioritize finishing his degree. He revealed that there have been feelers from club teams, but nothing has been finalized.
He also expressed the need to step away from the sport temporarily to recover from the physical and mental toll of the UAAP season.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Siguro, bawi muna ako sa aral ko,” said Kampton. “Sa aral siyempre kasi graduating na ako this December. Gusto kong maka-graduate din. Sa volleyball, siguro pahinga muna ako kasi sobrang nakaka-exhaust yung volleyball. Basta babalik ako sa volleyball. Di ko lang alam kung saang team pa.
“Waiting pa rin kasi sa national team, iba-iba naman yung lineup. Pag tinawag nila ako, I’ll go pero ang focus ko muna talaga kasi ngayon (ay) parang kahit di ako mag national team o mag national team, ayoko muna kasi gusto ko muna mag-focus sa next chapter ng life ko kasi graduating na ako, wala na ako sa high school,” he added.
“Maghahanap ako ng paraan magka-work as a volleyball player. Hopefully, may mga kaunting nakakausap na kami. Pag natuloy, announce ko na lang soon. Pero yun, gusto ko muna magpahinga.”
It will certainly feel different seeing the Green Spikers take the court in Season 88 without the familiar presence of Maglinao and Kampton. But as they begin new chapters in their lives, their legacy remains a source of inspiration for the next generation — and the journey ahead promises to be just as exciting.
