University of the Philippines is adding championship experience to its quest for a return to the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Final Four.
Volleyball program director Oliver Almadro has handed the reins of the Fighting Maroons to Benson Bocboc, a longtime assistant coach from De La Salle University.
Now in his second year of building UP into a contender, Almadro will focus on bringing top recruits to Diliman, while Bocboc aims to maximize a revitalized roster.
The Maroons will be led by seniors Nina Ytang, Nica Celis, and Irah Jaboneta, and bolstered by promising freshmen like Kianne Olango, Yesha Noceja, and Jothea Mae Ramos.
After a one-win campaign last season, UP is more energized and determined to perform better in UAAP Season 86, which UP will host.
“Nagkaroon tayo ng opportunity to bring together two champion coaches, and we just took advantage of it. With Coach Boc on the bench, Coach O overseeing lahat-lahat, and siyempre, the continued support from Boss Frank, we’re looking forward to the bright future ng UP volleyball,” said UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development Director Bo Perasol, referring to Frank Lao of Strong Group Athletics, the team’s main backer.
Bocboc, who was part of the Lady Spikers’ coaching staff from 2016 to 2024 and also served as a coach for F2 Logistics, now takes on the challenge of guiding the Fighting Maroons.
Bocboc briefly took the head coaching role for F2 Logistics in the 2022 Premier Volleyball League Open and Reinforced Conferences.
He is also currently part of the Farm Fresh coaching staff in the PVL.
UP’s Women’s Volleyball Team last claimed the championship in the early 1980s, with their most recent Final Four appearance in Season 79, when Tots Carlos and Isa Molde led the charge.
Meanwhile, in the UP Men’s Volleyball Team, Vip Isada has stepped down as head coach, with Carlo Cabatingan taking over the role.
(C) UAAP Season 86 Media Team
