With the new UAAP season approaching, Ateneo de Manila University is once again recalibrating its men’s volleyball program after three straight fifth-place finishes, and one of the players carrying that urgency is Brian Castro, who is entering his final year with the Blue Eagles.
According to Inquirer.net, the Ateneo middle blocker recently returned from the United States following the holiday break to rejoin team preparations, fully aware that UAAP Season 88 marks his last opportunity to compete at the collegiate level. The Blue Eagles have not returned to the Final Four since Season 81 in 2019, when they ended the campaign with a bronze medal, closing a dominant stretch that saw the program reach five consecutive finals from 2014 to 2018.
Castro said the team’s ambitions are clear heading into the season. “The biggest goal as a team is to be holding that championship trophy at the end of the season,” he said.
Standing at 6-foot-4, Castro is coming into his final campaign with added motivation after recently signing with VP Global Management, an agency that also represents several of the country’s leading men’s volleyball players, including Bryan Bagunas, Josh Ybañez, and Owa Retamar. The move signals his intent to elevate his game as he balances collegiate responsibilities with long-term career aspirations.
For Castro, however, the season carries personal weight beyond results. “My goal is to make the most out of my last collegiate season. I want to cherish the little moments with this team, knowing this is the last time we’ll all be together,” he said.
The veteran middle blocker said his focus this year goes beyond physical preparation. He emphasized buying into the system under head coach Vince Mangulabnan while sharpening his mental approach to competition, particularly in pressure situations. Castro is expected to be a key presence alongside teammates Ken Batas, Jian Salarzon, and the rest of the Ateneo core as the Blue Eagles try to regain their footing in the league.
“Physically, it’s about following the programs, trusting the system, and staying disciplined,” Castro said. “Balancing academics and sports isn’t easy, but I want to give everything I’ve got on the court, especially this being my last year.”
Reflecting on lessons gained over his collegiate career, Castro underscored the importance of emotional control as the season unfolds. “I’ve learned that controlling your emotions gives you clarity in tough moments. This season, I want to stay positive and more focused than ever,” he added.
