Marck Espejo on Japan volleyball’s radar, thanks to UP coach

MANILA, Philippines – It seems that the services of University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons women’s volleyball head coach Godfrey Okumu did not stop with one school.

Apparently, thanks to Okumu, Marck Espejo of the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles will be the first Filipino to ever play in a Japan volleyball league.

The 5-time UAAP Most Valuable Player will suit up for Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler, whose head coach Takashi Ogawa said it was Okumu who recommended Espejo to play for them.

Oliver Almadro, Espejo’s former Ateneo coach and current Cignal HD Spikers mentor, also shared how Okumu played a role in the recruitment.

“Coach Okumu of UP used to work with [Oita] as part of their staff for 3 years,” said Almadro during Espejo’s contract signing on Sunday, May 27, in Pasay.

“When coach Okumu came here, [it was] good timing that they were looking for Asian players. Coach Okumu recommended that one player in the Philippines… ‘yung kailangan nila ay nandito kay Marck.” (What they needed was with Marck.)

Espejo, meanwhile, had no hesitation and welcomed the opportunity to further hone his superstar-level skills.

“Salamat po sa once in a lifetime opportunity,” he said. “Siguro as an athlete dito sa Philippines, it’s the first time [they] recognized Philippine volleyball outside the country and ako ‘yung nabigyan ng chance para makapaglaro sa kanila. I really have to work harder. Double time and effort.”

(Thank you for this once in a lifetime opportunity. As an athlete here in the Philippines, it’s the first time they recognized Philippine volleyball outside the country and I was the one given the chance to play for them. I really have to work harder. Double time and effort.) 

“Kailangan ko lang talaga ipakita ‘yung talent ko at maganda na ma-represent ‘yung country natin,” he added.

(I just really need to showcase my talent and represent the country.)

Coach Ogawa was likewise excited to have the 5-time UAAP MVP on board as an Asian import.

“I am looking forward to playing with Marck and I believe Marck’s spikes, his blocks and receiving [will] give us many wins,” said Ogawa.

Before suiting up for the Japanese club, however, coach Almadro clarified that Espejo will finish his Premier Volleyball League stint with Cignal as a wrap-up of his preparations.

By October 27, he will formally start his stint with Oita Miyoshi. – Rappler.com