Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 9) — Ateneo Blue Eagles star Faith Nisperos will forgo her last playing years in the UAAP as she took a leap of faith to join the Akari Power Chargers in the Premier Volleyball League.
The 23-year-old outside hitter said that training under Akari head coach Jorge De Brito for the national team was one of the reasons she chose the neophyte team.
“I chose to go to Akari for several reasons. Of course, number one, I worked well with the coach. Coach Jorge [De Brito] and I have worked together in 2021 when I was part of the national team,” said Nisperos.
Nisperos was part of Team Rebisco during the Asian Women’s Club Volleyball Championship in 2021.
Meanwhile, the Ateneo de Manila University supported the decision of the Blue Eagle’s skipper.
“Now, Faith has decided to spread her wings further. She has informed the University that she will be entering the world of professional volleyball as she concludes her studies in Ateneo,” the school said in a statement.
“We thank her for being a model student-athlete embodying the One Big Fight spirit inside and outside the court,” it added.
Nisperos was a four-time champion in the UAAP girl’s division with the National University Lady Bullpups, where she was also honored as Most Valuable Player twice.
She made her debut in the senior’s division with Ateneo in Season 82, but her rookie year was cut short due to the pandemic.
In Season 84, she helped her team land a third place finish and was also awarded as one of the league’s best outside hitters.
Despite winning the 2022 V-League title with Nisperos, Ateneo failed to lift its performance in UAAP Season 85, finishing 6th place and ending an 11-year appearance in the Final Four.
