Six-Month Break Helps Umandal Find Motivation for Volleyball Again
Jau Umandal stepped away from volleyball for six months after spending more than a decade competing within the sport. Now, the 28-year-old outside spiker has rediscovered his motivation through VNS-Laticrete and its group of aspiring young players.
Umandal Returns After Six-Month Volleyball Break
Justin Valencia of Tiebreaker Times chronicled Umandal’s renewed enthusiasm following VNS-Laticrete’s sweep of AFP during the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference. The former national team player had stopped competing after the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference concluded last April.
Umandal had spent more than 10 years around competitive volleyball before deciding to temporarily step away from playing. His return with VNS eventually provided another opportunity to compete after six months away from organized volleyball competition.
Image from: onesportsphl / Instagram
Time Away Helps Former National Team Player Reset
Umandal acknowledged losing some willingness and patience for volleyball before spending six months outside competitive matches and regular tournament commitments. His eventual return allowed the veteran outside spiker to reconsider his relationship with a sport that shaped much of his career.
“Siguro natutunan ko ‘yung willingness ulit kasi talagang nag-stop ako sa paglalaro. Parang nawala ‘yung tiyaga ko sa ginagawa ko,” shared Umandal.
VNS Griffins Rekindle Umandal’s Volleyball Passion
Umandal joined a VNS-Laticrete roster featuring younger players still pursuing opportunities to establish themselves within Philippine competitive volleyball. Their ambitions reminded Umandal of his earlier years, when he similarly pursued opportunities while building his own playing career.
That connection helped restore Umandal’s enjoyment after his extended absence and provided another reason to appreciate competing again. He specifically identified the Griffins’ younger players when describing how his perspective changed following his return to volleyball.
Young Teammates Remind Umandal of Earlier Dreams
Umandal recognized similarities between his younger teammates and his own earlier experiences pursuing opportunities within competitive Philippine volleyball. Their ambitions helped restore his enjoyment while VNS head coach Ralph Ocampo provided the opportunity that brought him back.
“Tapos na-realize ko one time na ganito rin ako dati na nangangarap, sumusubok. Bumalik ‘yung saya ko sa sarili ko na nakapaglaro ulit ako, nabigyan ako ng opportunity ni Coach Ralph,” the former national team player continued.
Ralph Ocampo Opens Door for Umandal’s Return
Ocampo approached Umandal with an opportunity to join VNS when the veteran outside spiker had no immediate playing commitment. The invitation ultimately returned Umandal to competition after his six-month absence following the conclusion of the Open Conference.
Joining the Griffins also placed Umandal alongside younger players whose ambitions reminded him about his own earlier volleyball journey. His return consequently became more than another playing opportunity as he rediscovered enjoyment through competing alongside VNS’s developing roster.
VNS Opportunity Brings Veteran Back to Competition
Umandal recalled Ocampo offering him an opportunity with VNS if he remained available without another playing commitment during the conference. The invitation gave Umandal another competitive opportunity after spending six months away from tournament volleyball following the Open Conference.
“Sabi niya sa akin, kung wala kang gagawin, pwede kang maglaro sa VNS. Sobrang happy ako kasi nabigyan ulit ako ng opportunity.”
Recommended Article: Creamline Sweeps Capital1 to Stay Perfect in PVL Siklab
Umandal Brings Experience to Young Griffins Roster
Through four Invitational Conference matches, Umandal has become an experienced presence within a VNS roster built largely around younger players. His background includes national team experience and more than a decade around competitive volleyball before joining the Griffins this conference.
Ocampo welcomes experienced players competing seriously with VNS because the organization remains focused on developing emerging volleyball talent. The VNS coach believes stronger competition provides meaningful opportunities for his younger players as they continue pursuing higher competitive levels.
Ocampo Sees Veterans Strengthening VNS Development
Ocampo emphasized that VNS wants experienced opponents challenging its younger players seriously instead of treating matches against them differently. He connected that competitive environment directly with the organization’s continuing objective of producing talent through meaningful tournament opportunities.
“Siyempre, very happy kami na ‘yung mga veteran talagang pinapatulan nila ‘yung mga bata. Kasi ‘yun naman ang goal ng VNS organization eh, to produce talent. Maganda lang na kapag may kalaban kaming malakas na team, hindi nila kami ina-underestimate at talagang all out sila,” said Ocampo.
VNS Continues Longstanding Grassroots Volleyball Mission
VNS has maintained its grassroots development identity while providing competitive opportunities for younger players seeking advancement within Philippine volleyball. The Griffins are the oldest Spikers’ Turf franchise, joining the league when the men’s competition was established a decade ago.
That longstanding presence provides additional context for Umandal’s return alongside players still beginning their own competitive volleyball journeys. His experience now intersects with an organization whose head coach continues emphasizing talent development as an important part of VNS’s mission.
Griffins Hope Young Players Become Future Stars
Ocampo’s development goals extend beyond immediate tournament results as VNS continues providing younger players opportunities against experienced competition. His ambitions for the Griffins center on developing athletes capable of eventually establishing themselves at higher levels of competitive volleyball.
“Hopefully, these young kids can be the next volleyball superstars.”
Analytical Breakdown: Umandal Sets Example for Younger Teammates
Umandal’s greatest value extends beyond scoring because younger teammates can observe his preparation, communication, and decision-making during competitive situations. Veteran leadership becomes especially effective when experienced players demonstrate composure through difficult rallies rather than relying exclusively on verbal instruction. His renewed motivation benefits VNS immediately while creating meaningful developmental lessons that younger players can carry beyond this tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jau Umandal stop playing volleyball?
Umandal took a six-month break after acknowledging that he had lost some willingness and patience for competitive volleyball.
What team does Jau Umandal currently play for?
Umandal returned to competitive volleyball with VNS-Laticrete during the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference after his six-month absence.
How old is Jau Umandal?
Umandal is 28 years old and has spent more than a decade involved in competitive volleyball before joining VNS.
What role does Umandal have with VNS?
Umandal serves as an experienced outside spiker alongside younger VNS players still establishing themselves within competitive Philippine volleyball.
Who coaches the VNS-Laticrete Griffins?
Ralph Ocampo coaches VNS-Laticrete and continues emphasizing the organization’s longstanding commitment to developing emerging young volleyball talent.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from The Manila Times.
