Leo Aringo leaves NU, signs with Japanese club Saitama Azalea

Fresh off a championship in the collegiate scene, Leo Aringo is making a leap to the professional ranks after signing with Saitama Azalea to play in the 2025-2026 Japanese V. League. 

National University announced the development on Tuesday as Aringo bid farewell to the Bulldogs after helping the squad complete a historic five-peat run in the UAAP Season 87 men's volleyball. 

"Fresh from winning his third career UAAP championship, finals MVP and former captain Leo Aringo is taking his talents to the Japanese V.League in the 2025-26 season after signing with Saitama Azalea," NU said in a Facebook post.

"A testament to the tried, tested Bulldog pride and programme."

The veteran outside hitter played a crucial role in NU's long-standing reign in the UAAP after they pulled off a reverse sweep against top-seeded Far Eastern University in the finals en route to their fifth championship in a row. 

The do-it-all team captain then bagged the Finals MVP plum in what turned out to be his final year with the Bulldogs. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News