Josh Ybañez built his name as one of the country’s most prolific scorers.
Today, he’s earning recognition for everything he does without the ball.
The three-time UAAP Most Valuable Player has fully embraced life as Alas Pilipinas’ libero, and his commitment was rewarded once again after being named Best Libero in the first leg of the 2026 SEA Men’s V Cup.
It marked the second straight year Ybañez took home the honor after also being recognized as the tournament’s top libero in the second leg of the 2025 edition.
For the University of Santo Tomas standout, the position change has never felt like a sacrifice. Instead, it has become a challenge he continues to embrace.
“To be honest, I always find happiness sa ginagawa ko lalo na sa paglilibero. Sobrang exciting niya for me and sobrang challenging at the same time kasi nga lagi kong nare-realize kapag nanonood ako ng higher level na competition na sobrang dami ko pang matutunan as a libero.”
Rather than relying on his reputation as one of collegiate volleyball’s best outside hitters, Ybañez said he remains eager to learn every day.
“I’m so open to new learnings and sa mga bagong itinuturo ni Coach Angiolino. About sa commitment, I’m doing it not just for the team but para na rin ito sa mga coaches, especially kay Coach Angiolino.”
Josh Ybañez Anchors Defense
The award capped another solid international campaign for the 5-foot-7 defensive specialist, who anchored Alas Pilipinas’ floor defense throughout the tournament as the nationals finished fifth after defeating Myanmar in the classification match.
Ybañez credited much of his growth to head coach Angiolino Frigoni, whose faith in him convinced him to make the full-time transition to libero at the international level.
“Of course, lagi akong thankful kay Coach Angiolino kasi ever since, kahit na nung nag-start pa lang ako mag-libero, hindi niya ako binitawan. Isa siya sa pinaka-nag-mold at nag-hawak sa akin at nagtiwala ever since talaga nung nag-start ako mag-libero.”
Now more comfortable in his new role, Josh Ybañez said his focus is on repaying that trust every time he steps on the floor.
“Ngayon, since nakakapag-perform na ako at parang nahanap ko na kung anong way ako makapag-contribute sa team and makapag-give back kay Coach Angiolino and sa coaching staff, ginagawa ko ang best ko talaga para at least may makita rin si Coach Angiolino sa akin.”
