Two promising prospects from Visayas will be lending helping hands to program director Oliver Almadro’s rebuild of the UP Women’s Volleyball Team.
Jothea Mae Ramos from Bacolod Tay Tung High School and Joanneesse Gabrielle Perez from Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu have committed to the Fighting Maroons.
With the champion coach now at the helm, the team is hopeful for a significant turnaround after securing just six wins in the past two seasons.
“The UP volleyball program and the UP community are genuinely thrilled about the commitment of these two high school standouts. In addition to their talents, they will bring their aggressiveness and leadership to our UP WVT,” said Almadro.
Ramos, the 5-foot-9 former skipper for Bacolod Tay Tung, led Western Visayas to the 2023 Palarong Pambansa title as the tournament MVP.
(C) UP OASD
Meanwhile, 5-foot-8 Perez aided in carrying the Magis Eagles to the CESAFI juniors championship in 2022 and another finals appearance in 2023.
They also showcased their skills in the 2022-23 Rebisco Volleyball League.
These two players will be significant assets for a UP side that last advanced to the Final Four in Season 78, when now-PVL superstars Tots Carlos and Isa Molde were still in maroon and green.
Their move to Diliman was facilitated by Frank Lao’s Strong Group, the new backer for both the WVT and Men’s Volleyball Team, along with the UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development under Director Bo Perasol.
“Ang mga ganitong recruit natin para sa ating volleyball teams, we’re hoping they’re just the first of many. We have full faith in Coach O that our performance will improve because of how he’ll oversee the development of all our veterans and rookies,” said Perasol.
