UE clarifies status of women's volleyball program amid sponsor exit

The UE Lady Warriors after their last game of the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament. UAAP Media

MANILA -- The University of the East on Saturday sought to explain the decisions it has made about their women's volleyball program, amid reports that several of its players have been "booted off" the squad while its coaching staff also got the axe.

The UE Dawn reported on June 12 that some of the players who were "unexpectedly" kicked off the squad were graduating students, putting them in a tough situation as they were left without a scholarship

They cited a source close to the team who said that only four players were retained after a timeout, with interim coach Allan Mendoza and his staff also being released from their posts.

In a statement, UE confirmed that the squad's primary sponsor, Strong Group Athletics, chose not to extend its support for the squad for the upcoming UAAP season, thus necessitating the changes in the coaching staff "who were under the sponsor's support."

The university's Physical Education (PE) Department then took steps to secure new leadership for the team, which included appointing new coaches. This also meant organizing an "open tryout" so that the program's new leadership can evaluate all potential players.

UE also cited a "long standing policy" of conducting a tryout at the conclusion of each season.

"In line with this policy, despite the team's underperformance in previous seasons, all incumbent players were given the same opportunity and due process to participate in the tryout, alongside new participants," the university said.

"Their previous membership in the team did not automatically guarantee retention, nor did past performance result in automatic exclusion. Each participant was evaluated solely on their skills, potential, and compatibility with the system being implemented by the coaching staff and/or new coaching staff," they added.

UE had gone 0-14 in UAAP Season 87 under Mendoza, as they struggled after the departure of their core -- Casiey Dongallo, Jelai Gajero, Kizzie Madriaga, Shamel Fernandez, and Jenalyn Umayam. The quintet eventually transferred to the University of the Philippines, where former coach Dr. Obet Vital would join them.

The university stressed that their "rigorous and merit-based selection process" resulted in several members of the squad failing to qualify for the Season 88 team.

"We would like to emphasize that the athlete service grant is a privilege extended to student-athletes in recognition of their service and representation of the university in each playing year of satisfying performance," they added.

"This grant is awarded to students with qualified academic status, and regardless of year level, whether they are graduating or not … It is not an entitlement tied to tenure or past participation, but rather to active involvement and contribution to the University's academic and athletic community."

Nonetheless, UE stressed that they remain committed to supporting their student-athletes "who are truly performing."

"The outcome of the tryout to those affected who lost their spot and lost their privileges will be granted to those who qualified, because of limited athletic service grant slots specific for each team/event," the university added.

UE's statement concluded with an expression of gratitude to Strong Group, which backed their program from Seasons 86 to 87, as well as "all the members of the team who represented UE with dedication and effort throughout those seasons." They also stressed that they are determined to build "a competitive, values-driven sports program."

The university did not directly address the allegations made by Mendoza, who told Tiebreaker Times on Thursday about the lack of funds for preseason tournaments and neglect of the team's basic needs. He also alleged that he was verbally and physically abused, though he did not name those responsible.

"Halos inapak-apakan nila ako, and yet hindi ako nagsalita just for the sake of the student-athlete," said Mendoza.

Mendoza also lamented that the university is "always settling for less," even during the UAAP women's volleyball tournament.

The Lady Warriors have not made the Final 4 of the UAAP women's volleyball tournament since Season 69.