UPIS Boys Volleyball Team

Two Courts, Two Crowns: UPIS Boys Volleyball Dominates the Rookie Scene

UAAP Season 88 witnessed a historic milestone for the UP Integrated School Boys Volleyball program. In a remarkable display of grit and Maroon pride, the team secured not just one, but two Rookie of the Year awards. Ruling both the hardcourt and the sand, these young Fighting Maroons proved that the future of UP volleyball is blazing bright.

With Justin dominating the indoor arena and Prince Evanz conquering the beach volleyball sands, this rare twin victory stands as a true testament to the relentless "Utak at Puso" spirit burning within the new generation of Iskolar athletes. But this triumph did not happen overnight.

The UPIS Boys Volleyball program has always been more than just a team, it is a crucible where raw, homegrown talent is forged into true Fighting Maroons. True to the Iskolar ng Bayan spirit, the program prides itself on taking young athletes, some starting entirely from scratch, and honing them into formidable contenders. This year is especially poignant, as the team bids farewell to a core group of seven seniors who have faithfully poured their blood, sweat, and tears into the maroon and green for years.

The weight of this transition, coupled with the team's relentless growth, wasn't lost on Head Coach Hans. "This Season 88 brought me some mixed emotions din," Coach Hans shared. "From 2023, nag develop and convert kami ng homegrown students to play volleyball. But siyempre, our athletes come and go. After three seasons of playing in the UAAP, they will soon graduate na sa UPIS, seven athletes 'yan."

Despite the impending departures, the foundation they built is solid and the progress is undeniable. "Nakita ko naman 'yung progress nila as the years went by," Coach Hans explained. "We played seasons na talagang single digit ang scores namin sa mga top ranking teams. Pero itong Season 88, isang set lang from UST ang single digit, the rest ay double digits na. It’s the same story sa Beach Volleyball namin, given na may isang Grade 8 competing player ako and we managed to play decision matches against AdU and FEU. This shows a lot of progress and potential sa boys ko."

Even with the historic twin Rookie of the Year accolades, Coach Hans ensures that the team remains palaban yet deeply grounded. His vision for the boys extends far beyond individual trophies, it is about continuous character building. Always ready to guide them, he constantly reminds his players to keep striving. "Result oriented dapat sila," Coach Hans emphasized. "Mas maging goal nila 'yung performance and improvement nila."

That philosophy of constant improvement resonated deeply with this season's standout rookies, Prince Evanz and Justin. Both have consistently anchored their development on their coaches' guidance, drawing immense inspiration from their teammates, especially the graduating seniors whose dedication paved the way. But beyond the court, their strongest driving force is family.

For Prince, the sacrifices made to wear the UP jersey fuel his everyday hustle. "Una sa lahat, 'yung family ko po sa Bulacan, sila 'yung naging motivation ko rito," he reflected. "Nakahiwalay man ako sa kanila dahil hinahabol ko 'yung pangarap ko rito sa UP, pero sila pa rin 'yung pinakadahilan kung bakit hindi ako puwedeng bumitaw."

Every exhausting drill carries a deeper purpose. "Every grind, every morning practice, every push beyond limits is para sa kanila 'yun," Prince added. "And also para na rin sa mga graduating seniors namin. Gusto ko po mabigyan sila ng memorable season sa last playing year nila. At siyempre, sa mga taong walang sawang sumuporta at naniwala sa kakayahan ko, sila po 'yung naging inspirasyon ko para hindi sumuko."

Taking home the UAAP Season 88 Beach Volleyball Rookie of the Year honor is just the beginning. Looking ahead, Prince's message to the UP Community echoes the very essence of UP Fight.

"Para sa buong UP Community, mas gagalingan pa namin. Mas tatapangan pa. Mas lalaban pa kami sa bawat laban, bawat possession, bawat segundo sa court," Prince declared. It is a promise that goes beyond winning sets. "Hindi lang para manalo, kundi para ipakita na kami ang UP Fighting Maroons. Dadalhin namin lagi 'yung maroon pride sa bawat galaw, sa bawat dugo't pawis. Na kaya naming makipagsabayan sa kahit kanino."

Written by: Jairo A. Mercado
Graphics by Lovely Abadiano Raz

🏐 Congratulations, UPIS Boys Volleyball Team! 🏐

The UPIS Boys Volleyball Team closes UAAP Season 88 Beach Volleyball Tournament with an impressive and inspiring run! Securing two strong wins against ADMU and DLSZ, pushing ADU and FEU to intense decision sets, and posting double-digit scores against top-tier teams — this season was a true display of grit, growth, and competitive spirit.

We are incredibly proud of the team’s overall performance. The determination, discipline, and resilience shown throughout the tournament reflect not just skill, but tremendous potential for an even stronger campaign next season. The future is bright for UPISBVT!

A heartfelt thank you to Coach Jum Marie Grace Gayo for her tireless effort, unwavering guidance, and dedication — especially in leading and preparing the team through rigorous beach volleyball trainings prior to the tournament. Your leadership made all the difference.

And of course, congratulations to our competing players — Marco Bamba, Prince Evanz B Jimenez, and Justin Reyjohn Jusayan — for delivering outstanding teamwork, perseverance, and heart on the sand. You represented UPIS with pride and excellence.

Here’s to building on this momentum and coming back even stronger next season!

📣 Join us for the last day of tryouts on February 15 at 7:00 AM.
All interested athletes must register through the QR code in this post.

Don’t miss out — we can’t wait to see you there!

URGENT ANNOUNCEMENT

Please be informed that the February 7 schedule has been rescheduled to February 8.
Additionally, the final day of tryouts will be on February 15.

All participants are reminded to register their names through the official UPIS registration link.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

📣 UPIS Boys Volleyball Team Tryouts 📣

Calling all interested student-athletes!
The UPIS Boys Volleyball Team will be conducting a volleyball screening for aspiring players.

Who can try out?
🏐 Grade Level: Grades 7 & 8
🏐 Positions Needed:
• Setter
• Middle Blocker
(Other positions are still welcome to apply)

📩 Registration:
Kindly message Coach Hans or reach out to our official page for registration details.

Walang Atrasan, Walang Hihinto! ✊🏼
Tara para sa laban ng unang panalo! 🔥

UP, suportahan natin ang UPIS Boys' Volleyball Team kontra Junior Falcons mamaya, 11:00 AM, sa Paco Arena! Buong puso ngayong !
📸: The UAAP

Bakbakan ng Diliman, Heto na!

UPIS Fighting Maroons ✊🏽vs FEU-D Tamarraws 🤘🏽na ngayong darating na Linggo, September 28, 2025!

Abangan kung sino sa mga Diliman squad ang mag-uuwi ng panalo sa first round ng UAAP Season 88 Juniors Volleyball Tournament. Laban, UPIS!

📷:

Tough loss but a hopeful start for the boys.
Abante, UP! Laban, UPIS BVT! ✊🏽

DLSZ Junior Green Spikers d. UPIS Junior Fighting Maroons
[22 - 25 I 25 - 11 I 25 - 23 I 25 - 20]

🏹Pana o Kamao?✊🏽
UP, lalaban na nang buong puso!

Limang tulog na lang at UAAP Season 88 Boys' Volleyball Tournament na!

Suportahan ang mas pinalakas, mas pinatapang, at mas pinatibay na UPIS Boys' Volleyball Team sa kanilang laban kontra DLSZ ngayong Linggo!

Congratulations, Athletes! ❤️💚

Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have paid off! Whether it was early mornings, late nights, or pushing through challenges, you gave it your all—and it shows.

We are excited to invite our UPIS homegrown students and interested high school volleyball athletes to our upcoming volleyball tryouts.

For questions or further information, feel free to message Coach Hans Christopher Chuacuco

Thank you! UP FIGHT! ❤️💚