University of the East finally addressed the controversy surrounding the sudden disbandment of the core of its UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball team, clarifying that the reshuffling stemmed from the expiration of the team’s sponsorship and the university’s efforts to chart a new direction for the upcoming UAAP Season 88.
In a statement released Saturday afternoon, UE broke its silence after reports surfaced of multiple athletes losing their slots — and scholarships — from the Lady Warriors roster following open tryouts conducted last Monday
“Unfortunately, much of the information being circulated is inaccurate,” UE said.
“In the interest of transparency and accountability, we find it necessary to clarify the matter and set the record straight.”
Strong Group’s Exit
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
UE confirmed that its former sponsor, Strong Group Athletics, which had been the program’s main backer for UAAP Seasons 86 and 87, chose not to renew its partnership heading into Season 88.
The conclusion of the deal meant that the coaching staff supported by the sponsor also parted ways with the program.
Dr. Obet Vital had already exited before the Season 87 campaign began, citing differences in management direction.
His departure triggered a domino effect, with key players like Casiey Dongallo, Jelai Gajero, Kizzie Madriaga, Shamel Fernandez, and Jenalyn Umayam transferring to University of the Philippines, where Vital eventually landed.
With SGA stepping away and no permanent replacement immediately available, UE placed assistant coach Allen Mendoza in the interim head coaching role.
The Lady Warriors went winless at 0-14 in Season 87.
Mendoza later revealed that only four players from last season’s squad were retained following open tryouts, raising concerns over the athletes’ loss of scholarships and athletic grants.
UE Responds: ‘Tryouts Were Transparent and Standard’
(C) UAAP Season 87
UE countered Mendoza’s claims, stressing that an open tryout is part of long-standing university policy at the end of every season.
According to the school, all student-athletes — regardless of tenure — were invited to participate alongside new aspirants.
A meeting was held prior to the tryouts to explain the restructuring process and reiterate the need to “show their skills and dominance to be retained.”
“Their previous membership in the team did not automatically guarantee automatic retention, nor did past performance result in automatic exclusion,” UE emphasized.
“Each participant was evaluated solely on their skills, potential, and compatibility with the system being implemented by the coaching staff.”
UE confirmed that “several former players were not retained for Season 88” as a result of the “rigorous and merit-based selection process.”
While the outcome may be difficult for the student-athletes affected, the university stood by the selection process as “competitive and transparent.”
UE also clarified that athletic service grants are not guaranteed but instead are “a privilege extended to student-athletes in recognition of their service and representation of the University.”
These grants are subject to performance, academic eligibility, and the varsity team’s available slots.
“The outcome of the try-out for those affected who lost their spot and lost their privileges will be granted to those who qualified,” the statement read. “There are limited athletic service grant slots specific for each team/event.”
New Direction
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
UE also announced that the Physical Education Department, led by Leo Viajar, had acted swiftly in the wake of the sponsor’s exit to appoint a new coaching staff, who were approved by the university president Dr. Zosimo Battad, in consultation with the sports committee.
Though the university has yet to officially reveal the names of the new coaches, it confirmed that the incoming staff would be implementing a fresh system and philosophy.
“In deference to the new coaching staff — so they could implement their vision, training philosophy, and strategic plans — the department organized an open try-out to evaluate all potential players,” the statement read.
Despite the turbulent offseason, UE emphasized its commitment to student-athlete development and rebuilding the Lady Warriors into a competitive program.
“We take this opportunity to extend our sincere gratitude to our former sponsor, Strong Group Athletics (SGA), for their generous support during UAAP Season 86 and 87. We are likewise grateful to all the members of the team who represented UE with dedication and effort throughout those seasons.”
The university ended its statement with a call to unity.
“Looking ahead, UE remains firmly committed to supporting its student-athletes and to building a competitive, values-driven sports program,” the statement concluded.
“Our ultimate goal is to empower our athletes to grow not only in their sport but also as student leaders, and to bring pride and honor to the University through excellence in the UAAP.”
