The University of the East women’s volleyball team have let go most of their players as well as their coaching staff following the discontinuation of Strong Group Athletics’s sponsorship in their team.
Disbandment Fallout: UE Lady Warriors Volleyball Team in Crisis
The UE Lady Warriors face an uncertain future after a sweeping roster overhaul that saw nearly the entire UAAP Season 87 squad—and its interim coaching staff—cut from the program. What followed was a firestorm of allegations, institutional statements, and calls for accountability amid a turbulent off-season.
Former interim head coach Allan Mendoza broke his silence, accusing UE’s Athletics Department of grave mistreatment toward players and coaches. In his account, Mendoza painted a troubling picture of neglect, intimidation, and broken promises that culminated in the abrupt dismissal of players, some of whom were on the brink of graduation.
Mendoza’s Claims of Institutional Neglect
Mendoza, who was appointed interim head coach after the departure of Obet Vital prior to Season 87, did not hold back in his criticism of the university’s handling of the volleyball program. He alleged that UE’s administration was content with mediocrity and failed to provide even the most basic support to the team during crucial preparation phases.
“They’re always settling for less. Wala na silang ginagawa. Okay na sa kanila yung ganon,” Mendoza said in a story made by Ernest Tuazon of Tiebreaker Times, expressing dismay at what he described as a passive and unambitious culture within the athletics department.
Among the more serious claims, Mendoza said that athletes, including those in their final academic year, were removed from the team without a clear academic fallback. “Ngayon, namomroblema ang players ko kasi lahat ng graduating, tinanggalan nila ng scholarship. Binalik nila yung nangyari last time. Yung banta nila, tinotoo na nila sa mga bata. And doon ako naaawa,” he added from his exclusive interview published in Tiebreker Times.
Tensions reportedly began well before Season 87, starting with the unexplained handling of funds meant for the team’s participation in the 2024 Shakey’s Super League Pre-season Championship. “Hinahanap namin yung Shakey’s funds, wala sila masabi. Doon nagsimula yung bad treatment nila sa amin,” Mendoza recalled.
UE’s Official Response and Justification
In response to mounting criticism, the University of the East issued a public statement clarifying its position. The school explained that the sweeping changes stemmed from the expiration of its sponsorship deal with Strong Group Athletics (SGA), which had backed the team through UAAP Seasons 86 and 87.
“Unfortunately, much of the information being circulated is inaccurate,” the university stated. “In the interest of transparency and accountability, we find it necessary to clarify the matter and set the record straight.” from the story of Ernest Tuazon of Tiebreaker Times.
UE explained that with SGA choosing not to renew its partnership, the coaching staff associated with the sponsor, including Mendoza, also had to exit. The Physical Education Department then initiated an open tryout process to form a new team aligned with a new coaching direction. According to UE, this was consistent with long-standing institutional policy.
“All student-athletes—regardless of tenure—were invited to participate alongside new aspirants,” UE clarified. “Each participant was evaluated solely on their skills, potential, and compatibility with the system being implemented by the coaching staff.”
The university emphasized that athletic grants were not guaranteed and were contingent on team contribution, academic eligibility, and availability of scholarship slots. “Athletic service grants are a privilege extended… subject to the team’s needs and resources,” the statement read.
Mass Exodus: Players Left Without a Team or Scholarships
The fallout from the open tryouts was severe. Reports from multiple sources, including UE’s official student publication, The Dawn, confirmed that only four players were retained from the previous season: Van Bangayan, Khy Cepada, Angelica Reyes, and Bea Zamudio.
“All but four players from Season 87 have been removed from the program. These are the very same athletes who stayed loyal through years of instability, lack of support, and constant challenges,” said former coach Obet Vital in a report of John Mark Garcia released in Spin.ph, who had previously worked with Mendoza and had since transferred to the University of the Philippines along with several players.
“These student-athletes didn’t just lose their spots on the roster. They lost their chance to continue their education,” he added. “Let’s be clear: this wasn’t their choice. They didn’t walk away from UE—they were removed.”
Vital further alleged that players who attempted to advocate for better treatment were punished for speaking out. “What about the four players who were retained? They can’t speak out. They risk losing everything too if they stand up for their teammates and friends,” he said.
New Direction Amid Controversy
UE has yet to announce its new head coach or reveal its next sponsor for Season 88. However, officials have confirmed that the new coaching staff was selected with approval from university president Dr. Zosimo Battad, in consultation with the school’s sports committee. The department defended the open tryout process as essential to helping the new staff implement their strategic vision.
“In deference to the new coaching staff—so they could implement their vision, training philosophy, and strategic plans—the department organized an open try-out to evaluate all potential players,” the school said from a story released in Spin.ph.
Despite criticism, UE reaffirmed its commitment to supporting student-athletes and rebuilding the Lady Warriors program into a competitive unit. “Our ultimate goal is to empower our athletes to grow not only in their sport but also as student leaders, and to bring pride and honor to the University through excellence in the UAAP.”
Still, for the players who now find themselves without a team or scholarship, the university’s long-term vision may offer little comfort. As public outcry continues and stakeholders call for more transparency and compassion, the story of the Lady Warriors remains far from over.
