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Tag: LOVB

  • Jaja Santiago begins new chapter, joins San Francisco Signal in LOVB 

    Jaja Santiago begins new chapter, joins San Francisco Signal in LOVB 

    After conquering Japan, Jaja Santiago is taking her talents to a new frontier.

     

    The former Alas Pilipinas star, now competing under the name Sachi Minowa, is set to continue her decorated volleyball career in the United States after signing with expansion franchise San Francisco Signal for the 2027 League One Volleyball (LOVB) season.

     

    The club officially announced Santiago as part of its inaugural roster on Friday, adding one of Asia’s most accomplished middle blockers to its foundation as it prepares for its debut campaign.

     

    Welcoming its newest signing, the franchise highlighted the championship pedigree Santiago brings after spending more than a decade competing at the highest level.

     

    “Philippine-born Japanese middle blocker, Jaja joins the Signal fresh off capturing the prestigious Japan SV.League Championship title! A decorated veteran of the Philippine National Team and one of Japan’s top middle blockers, Jaja is bringing her 12 years of championship experience and elite presence at the net to the Bay,” said the San Francisco Signal in a social media post, welcoming Santiago.

     

    The move marks another major milestone in Santiago’s international journey.

     

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    She arrives in the United States fresh from winning the Japan SV.League championship and after establishing herself as one of the league’s premier middle blockers, earning recognition as one of its top players during her successful stint overseas.

     

    Her transfer also confirms what Santiago had hinted at during the 2026 Volleyball Nations League in Pasig, where she revealed she was preparing for a move to the United States while working to stay in peak condition for the next phase of her career.

     

    Now, that next chapter officially begins.

     

    With San Francisco Signal assembling its first-ever roster, Santiago is expected to provide immediate leadership, championship experience, and a formidable presence at the net as the expansion club enters the rapidly growing professional volleyball landscape in the United States.

     

    For Santiago, the move represents more than just another overseas contract—it is another opportunity to showcase her talent on one of volleyball’s newest professional stages after already leaving her mark in both the Philippines and Japan.

     

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  • Jaja Santiago takes talents to US, joins LOVB after decorated career in Japan 

    Jaja Santiago takes talents to US, joins LOVB after decorated career in Japan 

    For almost a decade, Japan served as the foundation of Jaja Santiago’s rise into one of Asia’s most respected middle blockers. Now, the Filipino volleyball star is preparing to write a new chapter and this time on American soil.

     

    Santiago, who now competes under the name Sachi Minowa, confirmed that she will continue her professional career in the United States after securing a spot in League One Volleyball (LOVB), one of the sport’s newest and fastest-growing professional leagues.

     

    During the Philippine leg of the 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City, the 30-year-old told reporters that her move to the United States is already confirmed, with her team assignment still awaiting official announcement.

    “I’m going to US next season,” Santiago confirmed.

     

    Days after her announcement, LOVB officially welcomed the Filipina through its social media channels.

     

    “Adding a new country to our list: the Philippines! Welcome, Sachi “Jaja” Minowa!!”

     

    The move signals the end of a remarkable nine-year stay in Japan, where Santiago steadily established herself as one of the country’s elite middle blockers.

     

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    She first suited up for Saitama Ageo Medics, spending five seasons with the club before transferring to Osaka Marvelous, where she played a key role in capturing the 2024–25 SV.League championship. 

     

    She wrapped up her Japanese career with the Denso Airybees during the 2025–26 season before deciding to pursue a fresh challenge in the United States.

     

    Across her successful stint in Japan, Santiago collected two Best Middle Blocker awards, cementing her reputation as one of the league’s most dominant forces at the net.

     

    Her next destination also represents another step into volleyball’s evolving professional landscape. 

     

    League One Volleyball launched its inaugural professional season in 2025 and has quickly attracted elite talent from around the world.

     

    Unlike traditional leagues, LOVB signs players directly before distributing them among its 10 professional teams, meaning Santiago’s club assignment will be announced at a later date.

     

    She joins an expanding roster of international stars in the league, including Thailand standout Pimpichaya Kokram, as LOVB continues to strengthen its global reach.

     

    While awaiting the announcement of her new team, Santiago shared that her focus remains on staying in top condition as she prepares for another major transition in her career.

     

    With Japan behind her and a new opportunity waiting in the United States, Santiago’s journey continues to expand beyond borders—adding another milestone to one of the most accomplished international careers by a Filipino volleyball player.

     

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