With passion to play back, Umandal also teaches now
Volleyball Never Stops (VNS) has been the longest tenured club in the Spikers’ Turf’s 10 years, with the league being an avenue for the Filipino men’s volleyball players after college.
The team has been giving opportunities to grassroots players to play. But besides the young athletes getting a chance, the squad is also a home for veteran players.
Jau Umandal took a break from playing for six months after Cignal’s disbandment last year, but when he found an opportunity with VNS, he found a new purpose this Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.
“I’m happy because I get to expand my experience and share it with the younger players,” said Umandal in Filipino after pouring in 18 points in VNS’ 30-28, 25-20, 25-21 win over the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Tuesday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
“[My young teammates] still have a lot to learn, but their hard work is evident,” he went on. “They’re showing that even at a young age, they can keep up with the veterans.”
Ex-MVP, National
The former Spikers’ Turf MVP and national team member had admitted losing his passion for the game six months ago after his previous club took a leave of absence despite being the most successful team in the league.
But VNS lit the fire under him and inspired him to be a good role model to the grassroots players, including 16-year-old setter Howard Guerra.
“I think it comes down to willingness. When I stopped playing, I also lost some of the passion and dedication I had for the sport,” said Umandal. “Then one day, I realized that I used to be just like these young players—someone who dreamed, took chances and tried to make it.”
“That brought back the joy of playing. I’m happy to be back on the court, and I’m grateful to coach Ralph [Ocampo] for giving me this opportunity,” he said. “He told me that if I wasn’t doing anything, I could play for their team. I’m really thankful that I got the chance to be part of his system.” The 28-year-old outside spiker has immediately taken over the leading scorer’s role for the Griffins with his average of 18.2 points per game in their first four matches.
More than his impact on the team, Ocampo is grateful for the former University of Santo Tomas star’s teachings the young players are absorbing.
Knowledge to share
“Jau has been a huge help, not just to our team but to the entire organization,” Ocampo said. “We currently have 33 young players, and they’re very inspired to have him around.”
“I told him that even though he had stopped playing volleyball for six months, he came back with so much knowledge to share and gave the young players the confidence to believe they can compete with the veterans.”
With the help of his veteran spiker Umandal, Ocampo has more fuel to continue the VNS program of honing the next volleyball superstars in the country and giving the young players enough confidence and skill set to go up against the club players in the Spikers’ Turf.
