A key player in the University of Santo Tomas’ historic UAAP High School Boys’ Volleyball title run, CJ Segui once seemed destined for greatness. However, off-court challenges disrupted his early momentum, stalling his promising career.
Segui had all the makings of a blue-chip recruit after helping lead the Tiger Cubs—alongside GBoy de Vega and Jaron Requinton—to their breakthrough championship in Season 80. He was also instrumental in their back-to-back Final Four appearances in Seasons 81 and 82.
But despite his undeniable talent, the 5-foot-11 outside hitter struggled to balance his responsibilities as a student-athlete, ultimately forcing him to leave the team.
“Galing ako sa UST High School, kaso nagkaroon ako ng problem sa academics,” Segui admitted.
(C) Spikers’ Turf Images
Yet, as the saying goes, when one door closes, another opens. For Segui, that opportunity came through Mapúa High School and VNS head coach Ralph Ocampo, who gave him the fresh start he needed to revive his career.
Ocampo reached out to Segui after his departure from UST, and for the young spiker, it was an easy decision. Beyond continuing his volleyball career, his main priority was completing his studies.
“Yun na ‘yun, nag-chat sa’kin si coach Ralph na may binubuo siyang high school team sa Mapúa. Sabi ko, go ako, coach, para sa scholarship kasi gusto ko na rin talaga matapos ng high school,” he shared.
Segui remains deeply grateful to Ocampo, a well-respected mentor known for developing young talent. More than just offering him a second chance, Ocampo provided multiple avenues for Segui to rebuild his career.
“Sobrang thankful ako kasi alam niya ‘yung naging kwento ko nung bago ako mapunta ng Mapúa,” Segui recalled.
“Ayun, tinanggap niya ako ng buo, and nag-commit din talaga ako sa kanya. Binigay ko ‘yung sarili ko para matutukan ako ni coach Ralph. Binigay niya sa akin ‘tong opportunity na ‘to para ma-showcase ko ‘yung talent ko,” he added.
Wasting no time, the Marikina native suited up for Mapúa High School and led the third-seeded Malayan Junior Spikers to the NCAA Season 99 championship. His stellar play earned him the Finals MVP award as well as Second Best Outside Hitter honors.
Unfortunately, at 20 years old, Segui has now aged out of high school competition and is ineligible for Season 100, meaning he won’t be able to help Mapúa defend its title.
(C) Spikers’ Turf Images
Determined not to let Segui’s progress stall again, Ocampo took another step—enlisting him with the Griffins for the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference to boost his visibility for college recruiters.
“Sobrang laking tulong sa akin kasi nasho-showcase ko kung ano ‘yung kakayahan ko. Talagang napapakita ko kung hanggang saan ‘yung limit ko,” said Segui, now in his second conference with VNS.
“Personal goal, gusto ko talagang makakuha ng offers, may lalapit na teams. ‘Yun din naman ‘yung goal ni coach Ralph para sa akin—pataasin ‘yung (stock) ko para sa college,” he added.
Segui flashed his potential in last year’s Invitational Conference, finishing as the league’s fourth-best scorer, trailing only reigning MVP Jude Garcia (Criss Cross), Dryx Saavedra (FEU), and Joeven Dela Vega (PGJC-Navy).
But on Sunday night, he showed just how much he had grown, delivering a statement performance despite VNS falling short against PGJC-Navy.
With the Griffins staring at an early 0-2 set deficit, Segui and fellow young gun RK Medino led the charge, refusing to back down against the battle-tested Sealions.
Displaying heart and resilience, they pushed the match to a deciding fifth set, where Segui had his moment—exploding for six points in a blistering 7-0 run that put VNS ahead 12-10, bringing them within striking distance of a stunning comeback.
However, Navy’s veteran core held firm in the clutch, escaping with a hard-fought 25-20, 25-22, 20-25, 17-25, 17-15 victory, denying VNS its first win of the conference.
Despite the loss, Segui turned heads with a sensational performance, racking up a game-high 26 points—his best in a Griffins jersey—while adding 16 excellent receptions.
“May mga kumakausap sa akin na schools. Undecided pa sa ngayon kasi gusto ko muna tapusin ‘yung high school bago ako mag-move forward. Saka naka-focus ako ngayon sa Spikers’ Turf talaga. Incoming first year college,” he said.
For now, Segui remains locked in on finishing high school and maximizing his time with VNS, knowing that every match is an opportunity to prove himself.
And while his next destination remains uncertain, one thing is clear—his journey is far from over. With each game, each set, and each point, he is determined to carve out the future he once dreamed of.
