Faith Nisperos leaves Blue Eagles, joins Akari

Prized hitter Faith Nisperos decided to forego her remaining years of playing eligibility with Ateneo de Manila University to pursue a professional career with the Akari Chargers.

The development officially ended the big question about what is next for Nisperos less than two weeks following the Blue Eagles' unceremonious exit in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 women's volleyball tournament.

It was the first time for Ateneo to miss the semifinals in 14 years.

"Since I am already graduating, I have decided to forgo my UAAP eligibility to move on to the pros. Reasons for that, I believe that in my seasons with Ateneo, I was able to fulfill my duties by playing my very best every time I'm on the court," Nisperos said during an online press conference on Tuesday.

"But I have decided to learn by taking greater heights in the PVL. And, I want to be able to step up more out of my comfort zone because I believe this is the best way to hone my talent and my character as an athlete."

The highly-recruited winger spent two full seasons with Ateneo after her rookie year abruptly ended when the league was forced to cancel Season 82 in 2020 at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Aside from being a high-flier with a powerful swing, Nisperos is also known for her versatility and excellent floor defense as well as her unquestionable heart and determination to win.

Nisperos led the Blue Eagles to a third-place finish in Season 84 when UAAP reopened its doors after a two-year hiatus.

But the hard-lucked Blue Eagles struggled to find form in Season 85 to end with a disappointing 4-10 win-loss record.

The 23-year-old Davao City native is a perfect fit for the young Akari squad handled by national team Brazilian coach Jorge Souza de Brito.

Her presence will give the Chargers more depth in the wing spot alongside veterans Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Janine Marciano and Trisha Genesis when the Premier Volleyball League stages its mid-season tournament Invitational Conference next month.

"After thorough consideration of all factors leading to my decision. I actually prayed on this, together with my whole family. I am happy and excited to announce that I have decided to bring my services to the young and promising team that I can grow with," she said.

Nisperos bared that six other club teams showed interest to recruit her while Ateneo also tried to convince the management student to come back for another year.

She, however, decided to join Akari where she will be reunited with former teammates Jaja Maraguinot, Erika Raagas and Dani Ravena.

"I work well with the coach so coach Jorge and I worked together in 2021 when I was part of the national team and I learned a lot from him," Nisperos said, adding that PLDT also came close to convincing her to commit.

"I believe it won't take me that much to jell with the rest of the team because a lot of them are my former teammates as well. And moreover, I like that there is a lot of balance with the team. They're a good mix of veterans and youngsters. So, sure I will be able to learn from both ends."

Aside from Nisperos, Ateneo will also lose graduating hitter and co-captain Vanie Gandler, who has yet to decide which PVL team she will join.