The National University Lady Bulldogs have filled their coaching void, tapping NU high school mentor Babes Castillo as the team’s mentor for the 80th season of the UAAP. Now, they set their focus on bringing back ace hitter Jaja Santiago.
Speaking with Tiebreaker Times, the UAAP Season 79 Best Scorer, Best Attacker, and Best Blocker admitted that she is leaning towards returning for her final year of UAAP eligibility, though she is still considering other opportunities.
“Pero sabi ko nga siguro ‘yung possibility ng pagbalik ko sa NU is 70/30. Hindi naman malalim ‘yung thirty,” added the six-foot-five converted winger, who added that she has trained at NU with Castillo.
“Gusto ko maglaro and gusto ko matapos ‘yung UAAP career ko ng maganda. Siyempre, alma mater ko ‘yun and honor pa ‘rin na i-represent ang NU. ‘Yung sa thirty naman ‘yung ibang opportunities na lumalabas.”
Currently, the 6-foot-5 spiker is the V-8 engine powering the Foton Tornadoes to the top of the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference standings. She is also slated to be the offensive star of the Philippine Team in the upcoming AVC Women’s Seniors Championship and the Southeast Asian Games.
The native of Tanza, Cavite also admitted that there are international clubs interested in bring her in, although she declined to give any further details.
“Mahirap talaga for me to make a decision kasi all these opportunities mean a lot to me,” Santiago closed.
