This past offseason, Jau Umandal took a step back from volleyball, the sport that had been a part of his life for more than 10 years.
With his passion slowly fading, Umandal decided to take a six-month break following the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference last April, giving himself time away from the game.
Six months later, however, the fire has slowly returned, thanks to a new team that reminded him that volleyball never stops.
Joining the VNS-Laticrete Griffins reignited the 28-year-old outside spiker’s love for the sport, as he saw a younger version of himself in his teammates — a group of aspiring players nurtured by head coach Ralph Ocampo.
“Siguro natutunan ko ‘yung willingness ulit kasi talagang nag-stop ako sa paglalaro, parang nawala ‘yung tiyaga ko sa ginagawa ko,” shared Umandal on Tuesday after VNS swept AFP in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.
“Tapos na-realize ko one time na ganito rin ako dati na nangangarap, sumusubok. Bumalik ‘yung saya ko sa sarili ko na nakapaglaro ulit ako, nabigyan ako ng opportunity ni Coach Ralph,” the former national team player continued.
“Sabi niya sa akin, kung wala kang gagawin, pwede kang maglaro sa VNS. Sobrang happy ako kasi nabigyan ulit ako ng opportunity.”
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Through four games in the tournament, Umandal has emerged as the Griffins’ leader on the court while embracing another role off it — serving as a mentor to teammates who are mostly teenagers.
For Ocampo, having an experienced player like Umandal join the squad is a welcome opportunity, not only for the team’s immediate competitiveness but also for the development of its young talents.
“Siyempre, very happy kami na ‘yung mga veteran talagang pinapatulan nila ‘yung mga bata kasi ‘yun naman ang goal ng VNS organization eh, to produce talent. Maganda lang na kapag may kalaban kaming malakas na team, hindi nila kami ina-underestimate at talagang all out sila,” said Ocampo.
“Hopefully, these young kids can be the next volleyball superstars.”
Despite operating as a grassroots program since its inception, VNS has stood the test of time, remaining the oldest franchise in the league after joining Spikers’ Turf when it was established a decade ago.
Now, with seasoned players like Umandal occasionally joining its ranks, the Griffins continue to show how the league can serve as a platform for both established stars seeking to rediscover their passion and young talents working toward their dreams.
For Umandal, his stint with VNS has become more than just a return to competition. It has given him a renewed appreciation for the game and a chance to help the next generation find its own place in volleyball.
And in a league where experience meets ambition, Umandal’s return is another reminder that, indeed, volleyball never stops.
