She spent five years with the Japanese club.
Jaja Santiago’s five-year stint with the Saitama Ageo Medics has been colorful to say the least. A few highlights of her tour of duty with the Japanese V. League team include winning the championship in 2021, being named Division 1 Best Blocker in 2022, winning the Division 1 Best Middle Blocker award in 2023, and of course, meeting her husband Taka Minowa, who also served as an assistant coach for Saitama.
Oh, and she’s also on her way to speaking fluent Japanese.
But on Saturday, the Japanese pro club announced that it has parted ways with Santiago.
The next day, the 6-foot-5 middle blocker went on Instagram and penned an emotional farewell message for the Aego Medics. Given their history together, the heartfelt post didn’t come as a surprise.
“This season has been wrapped up! This is one of the most challenging battles I had! But I fought my battles with my family, Ageo team, and friends,” the former National University standout wrote.
Santiago did have a surprising revelation as she recalled how massively supportive Ageo has been to her. Particularly, the 2021 PVL Open Conference MVP spoke of the time when she had to undergo surgery due to a bothersome medical condition.
“Last December, I had an operation with the removal of two ovarian cysts. It was hard because I was in the middle of the season, but the Ageo management, coaches, and my teammates supported me,” Jaja divulged.
All in all, the Filipino volleyball star had nothing but words of love and gratitude for her former squad.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank my Ageo family, from management to coaches, to my teammates, and to all fans who supported me all the way! You have become my family. I am not where I am now without all of you.”
Santiago has yet to reveal where she exactly plans to take the next chapter of her career. But wherever it is, it seems like she’s ready for it.
“My season with Ageo ended, but this is just one for the books. Onto the next,” Jaja ended her post.
(GM)