Shaq Delos Santos is choosing perspective over disappointment as the Cignal Super Spikers took a sudden leave of absence from the PVL following a historic Finals breakthrough.
Just weeks removed from a runner-up finish in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference, Cignal announced it would step away from the league—a surprising move for a team that had just re-established itself as a legitimate title contender.
“This is to officially announce that the Cignal Super Spikers Women’s Volleyball Team has filed a Leave of Absence in the Premier Volleyball League,” the team said in a statement. “This difficult decision was taken after careful review of Cignal’s strategic direction.”
No timeline has been set for the team’s return.
Pride and Heartbreak
For Delos Santos, the development carries both pride and heartbreak after years of building the Super Spikers into one of the league’s most consistent contenders.
“Especially ako, nanghihinayang ako dahil parang for how many years ko sa Cignal, medyo ito ‘yung nangyari. But I think lahat naman may purpose and may reason kung bakit nangyari ito. Siguro, tuloy-tuloy lang and I am sure magiging okay din ang lahat,” he said.
Since the league turned professional in 2021, Delos Santos steered Cignal to three silver medals and five bronze finishes, reaching the podium in 8 of 15 conferences, highlighted by their recent Finals run against the Creamline Cool Smashers.
That campaign showcased the emergence of key pieces such as Vanie Gandler, Erika Santos, Gel Cayuna, Tin Tiamzon, Dawn Macandili-Catindig, and Rose Doria-Aquino, who powered the team’s resurgence.
“Siyempre, sobrang laki ng utang na loob ko sa Cignal. Grabe ‘yung opportunity na binigay nila sa akin. And ‘yung respect na natanggap ko sa kanila, kasi all throughout, nandiyan sila—through ups and downs,” Delos Santos added.
With Cignal Out, Focus Shifts to Players
With the team now in limbo, Delos Santos said his immediate focus is on helping his players transition, ensuring they continue their careers elsewhere if needed.
“Siyempre, hopefully, magkaroon ng panibagong teams sila if ever. Ako rin, best effort sa mga kaibigan namin sa ibang teams kung ano ang puwede naming maitulong sa kanila. Siyempre, ayaw naman naming biglang mawawala ‘yung trabaho nila kasi knowing them, pwedeng lumaban talaga,” he said.
“Well, kung merong opportunity na ganon, I think pwede. Bakit naman kami tatanggi, hindi ba? Pero right now, walang ganon. Nag-usap naman ‘yung team. Siguro for now, talagang magpahinga na muna. Kailangan maka-recover muna ang lahat.”
Even amid uncertainty, Delos Santos remains grounded, drawing strength from faith and the ability to move quickly—a mindset he carried as he transitioned to coaching the UST Golden Tigresses in the UAAP stepladder.
“I am so grateful kasi very transparent din si Lord na parang yesterday, ang ano ng sitwasyon namin at ng pakiramdam namin. But right now, binigyan kami ng another blessing dahil naka-survive kami. Kailangan lang talaga tanggapin mo at move forward din. Kailangan maging strong ka talaga,” he shared.
Cignal’s departure adds another shift in the PVL landscape, following similar moves from other teams this season—leaving the Super Spikers’ future uncertain, but their impact firmly established.
