UE says sponsorship exit led to revamp of women's volleyball team

The University of the East (UE) on Saturday broke its silence on issues surrounding its women’s volleyball team, saying that the exit of its sponsor and subsequent leadership changes prompted a revamp ahead of UAAP Season 88.

In an official statement, UE debunked reports of player removals as being “inaccurate,” stressing that the reboot was a result of the team's former sponsor, Strong Group Athletics (SGA), opting not to renew its support after their Season 87 campaign.

With the sponsorship’s conclusion, the coaching staff it backed also stepped down.

"Unfortunately, much of the information being circulated is inaccurate. As such, in the interest of transparency and accountability, we find it necessary to clarify the matter and set the record straight. One key point that requires clarification, is the change in sponsorship and its implication for the team’s composition and leadership," UE said.

"The former sponsor of the UE Women’s Volleyball Team, who supported the team during UAAP Season 87, chose not to renew its sponsorship for Season 88. As part of the conclusion of this sponsorship, the coaching staff who were under the sponsor’s support also ended their tenure with the team."

UE also shared that the team has appointed a new coaching staff that was approved by the President based on consultation with the UE sports committee. 

The school said that with the new people at the helm, the department held an open try-out to evaluate potential and existing players. 

In fact, the school revealed it's an annual activity to organize try-outs, where holdovers from the previous season are also ordered to participate regardless of their performances.

"A meeting was held by the PE Director for the old member players of the team, before the hour of the try-out, its reason of conduct of restructuring the team, reminded them to show their skills and dominance to be retained," UE said.

"Furthermore, the University has long-standing policy of conducting a tryout at the end of every season in preparation for the next one."

—JKC, GMA Integrated News