A new era begins for the University of the Philippines, led by seasoned Italian tactician Fabio Menta.
The 64-year-old coach steps into the Fighting Maroons’ fold with a roster refreshed by talented transferees and a promising foreign student-athlete, setting the stage for a bold bid at a long-awaited Final Four appearance.
With the continued backing of sponsor Frank Lao and Strong Group, Menta has officially been appointed as UP’s new mentor.
He will make his UAAP debut with the Fighting Maroons in Season 88, starting mid-February.
“We are excited to see how Coach Fabio will bring out the best in this young and very promising roster. Lahat tayo sa UP ay nagtitiwala at naniniwala that the Final Four is very much within our reach,” said UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development Director Bo Perasol.
Menta first came to the Philippines in 2016 to lead Foton Pilipinas — the national team-backed version of the Philippine Superliga side Foton Tornadoes — at the Asian Women’s Club Volleyball Championship.
His extensive coaching resume spans national and club teams in Italy, the Bahamas, and the Cook Islands.
Last year, he also served as a consultant for SGA squads in the Premier Volleyball League, working with Farm Fresh and ZUS Coffee before taking over the UP post.
UP is aiming to return to the Final Four after a 6-8, joint-fifth finish last year under Benson Bocboc, with the team led by Nina Ytang, Kianne Olango, Irah Jaboneta, and Joan Monares.
That campaign included notable wins over eventual champion National U and runner-up La Salle.
This season, three-time second-best middle blocker Ytang, Olango, Jaboneta, Monares, and setter Jaz Manguilomotan will be joined by Casiey Dongallo, Jelai Gajero, Kizzie Madriaga, and Nigerian import Ali Sarah Otukugu.
The reinforced lineup hopes to break UP’s near-decade playoff drought.
“He brings a good system which the team needs. We know what to do inside and outside the court because of that good system,” said Jaboneta.
