Jaja Santiago AGEO MEDICS photo
Santiago, Japanese team Saitama part ways
JAJA Santiago has parted ways with the Saitama Ageo Medics, the Japan V.League club announced yesterday.
In five seasons with the Ageo Medics, the 6-foot-4 Santiago has won a Best Blocker award and was named Best 6 in the V1 Final Stage once. She also won a V1 bronze and won the V-Cup tournament in 2021.
“I have been with the Ageo team for five years. 5 seasons is no joke. I have learned a lot. All of my first times in pro volleyball happened here. I learned the discipline, the courage, the culture and definitely the heart of being a professional volleyball player,” Santiago said.
“I want to thank the Ageo management, the coaches, the staff, my teammates and the fans. I am not where I am now without you. You inspires me to become a better athlete,” she added.
The first Filipina to play in the Japanese top-tier league, Santiago is now pondering her next move.
“Unfortunately, it is with a heavy heart that I have decided to go out of my comfort zone and take risk and widen my perspective in my volleyball career. Ageo team is always in my heart. It doesn’t mean a goodbye, but I’ll see you around,” said Santiago.
“This will be challenging but I am ready to move forward and take the challenges ahead! To all the fans who supported me and Ageo team, please continue to give light and strength to all of us athlete and thank you so much!,” she added.
