UST Junior Tigresses during the UAAP Season 87 High School Girls’ Volleyball tournament. –UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Ex-University of Santo Tomas high school captain Jaila Adrao explained why she decided to transfer to National University Nazareth School just days after UST coach KungFu Reyes aired out his grievances about “unethical” recruitment practices and poaching of players.
In an interview with The Varsitarian, UST’s official publication, Adrao said her move to NUNS was for her “growth” and development.
READ: UAAP: UST coach hits out ‘unethical’ timing in player recruitment
“I’m fully decided [to leave] because I really want to grow,” said Adrao in Filipino. “I think it’s time to explore a new system since I can see my growth especially in my game.”
Adrao defended the timing of her transfer after Reyes described recruiting Grade 11 players as “very unethical.”
“I think it’s not in the middle of the season anymore, since the girls’ season already ended in December last year and our academic year ends this May.”
She also made sure to inform the right people about her departure.
“According to Adrao, she sent an official letter detailing her transfer to UST head coach Emilio “Kung Fu” Reyes on April 28 and to IPEA Director Fr. Rodel Cansancio, O.P., on April 29 before moving out of her dormitory,” the story wrote.
READ: UAAP: La Salle Lady Spikers oust UST, set up finals vs NU
“The UST girls’ team captain added that she also coordinated with athletics moderator Rodrigo Sambuang and dorm supervisor Erickson Pabalan before securing clearance to move out.”
Adrao added the move also provides her and UST more time to adjust.
“The UST girls’ volleyball has an upcoming league this May. That allows their new set of players to focus and the team to adjust with my departure,” she said.
Adrao, set to finish Grade 11 later this month, felt UST’s system didn’t suit her style since it required her to play multiple positions that slowed down her progress as a middle blocker.
“They made me switch positions in UST’s system and I felt it hampered my improvement,” she said. “I played different positions and it was hard for me to focus. I didn’t see myself improving because of it.”
The UST Junior Tigresses placed third this season after losing to No. 2 Adamson in the Final Four. The NUNS Lady Bullpups reclaimed the crown after sweeping Adamson in the title round.
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