A baptism of fire awaits new De La Salle University winger Jillian Santos in her return to the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).

Back in the league three years after serving as a Covid reserve for Ateneo De Manila University, the Filipino-American opposite spiker will be tested against no less than defending champion National University in the Season 87 women’s volleyball opening weekend on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Taking on the Lady Bulldogs will be a mini-reunion of some sort for the 5-foot-10 University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) captain as she will go up against former NU-Nazareth School teammates reigning Most Valuable Player Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon and Shaira Jardio.

"I’m so excited to face them," expressed the US NCAA Division 1 veteran who served as skipper of the UIC Flames.

After her NUNS stint, she later suited up for University of Santo Tomas before a brief stay with the Blue Eagles in the post-pandemic Season 84.

"Friendships built through volleyball are what really connects us. It’s great to see them again, and I’m excited to compete against them this upcoming season," said Santos, a UIC summa cum laude with a degree in psychology.

Looking to settle an unfinished business, Santos decided to return to the Philippines and continue her volleyball journey under the guidance of legendary coach Ramil De Jesus.

"First and foremost, my family is all here. They mean a lot to me, so I wanted to come home," she shared.

Aside from being with her family, Santos didn’t pass up the opportunity to suit up for the green and white when opportunity presented itself.

"After learning that I had two more years of UAAP eligibility left, La Salle reached out to me. They not only offered me a chance to play but also pursue my master’s in clinical psychology," she said.

"La Salle was the primary one that really expressed interest," Santos added.

"They got to know me on a personal level—even my dad (Jeffrey) and other family members. They built that connection, which impacted my decision. Plus, my mom (Gieneen) graduated from La Salle, so that also played a role."

Santos acknowledges that playing under De Jesus is not something to pass up.

"Coach Ramil is a great mentor. You can see day in and day out that he truly cares about the personal excellence of each one of his players. I’m grateful to be a part of his system this season," she said.

Santos brings a wealth of experience playing abroad to La Salle, which seeks to reclaim the crown it lost last year after bowing to UST in the Final Four.

"It forced me to step out of my comfort zone and understand myself better—not just as a player but as a person. Now, I’m back to square one with La Salle, but I’m ready to learn again and adapt to the Philippine style of play,” Santos said.

"I would describe U.S. volleyball as ‘big man volleyball.’ It’s all about length and physicality," she added.

“Here in the Philippines, players are so smart in crafting plays and adapting to situations. It’s a more scrappy, strategic game, and that’s something I really appreciate after coming from the States."

Santos’ arrival will form a three-headed monster at La Salle’s wing with former Rookie of the Year-MVP Angel Canino and Shevana Laput.