Detdet Pepito ends long UST run with gratitude after UAAP exit

University of Santo Tomas standout Detdet Pepito expressed nothing but gratitude after spending more than a decade with the España-based squad.

Pepito wrapped up her collegiate career on Saturday as the Golden Tigresses fell to National University, 20-25, 26-24, 26-24, 25-21, in the second round of the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball stepladder semifinals.

The loss also marked the end of Pepito’s 11-year stint donning the black and yellow.

“Salamat talaga sa UST kasi halos half ng buhay ko, parang doon ako lumaki eh since Grade 7. So dahil sa kanila, talagang nag-grow ako bilang tao ngayon,” she said.

“Thank you sa experience and sa alaga na talagang ipinadama ng UST.

“I hope na nabigyan ko kahit papaano ng balik sa UST [through] performance ko.”

Detdet Pepito: Sana naibalik ko sa [pinakitang] performance ang tulong ng UST @gmasportsph @gmanews pic.twitter.com/FBlUVLC2r7

— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) May 2, 2026

Pepito has been a standout for UST since her high school days.

From Seasons 78 to 80, she was part of the UST squad that finished runner-up, before securing back-to-back bronze finishes in Seasons 81 and 82. During that span, she was named Best Libero from Seasons 79 to 82.

In the seniors division, Pepito continued to shine, earning Best Libero honors in Seasons 85 and 86. She helped UST reach the finals in Season 86 and finish third in Seasons 87 and 88.

“Yun, grateful lang din po sa experience na to. Talagang walang katulad ang UAAP. So thank you po sa lahat ng support sa UST community, sa coaches ko and especially sa teammates ko na talagang tinry ang best para humabang buhay namin sa UAAP,” she said.

—GMA News