Jaja Santiago, also known sa Sachi Minowa, hopes to continue her volleyball career in Europe after capping off her Japan stint with an SV.League championship title with the Osaka Marvelous.
Fresh off a championship-winning season in Japan, Jaja Santiago — known locally as Sachi Minowa — is now setting her sights on a new volleyball chapter in Europe.
Minowa capped off her stint with the Osaka Marvelous in stunning fashion, helping the team clinch the Japan SV.League title with a straight-set sweep of the NEC Red Rockets, 25-22, 25-21, 25-16, in Game 2 of the Finals last Saturday, May 3.
The towering middle blocker chipped in 10 points off seven attacks and three blocks in the decisive match, marking a triumphant end to her second season with Osaka.
[ALSO READ: Jaja Santiago fulfills dream with long-awaited Japan SV.League championship]
But with her contract now concluded, Minowa is exploring the possibility of playing in Europe, specifically in Italy — a move that has long been on her radar.
“For now, I don't have any answer because I'm looking for a team in Italy or in Europe,” Minowa shared in an interview on One News' Play by Play. “But it's kinda hard to find a team there because actually ang priority nila is outside hitter, opposite hitter, setter, libero. Last talaga 'yung middle blocker.”
While her dream is to gain experience in the highly competitive European leagues, Minowa acknowledged that returning to Japan remains a strong possibility if no suitable opportunities arise.
“Gusto ko talaga magkaroon ng experience in Europe,” she said. “But if not given the chance, I need to go back here in Japan maybe. I still have an opportunity to play here.”
[ALSO READ: Jaja Santiago proudly represents the Philippines in breakthrough SV.League title win]
Numerous prominent Asian volleyball players, such as South Korea’s Kim Yeon-koung and Chinese players Zhu Ting and Yao Di, have either previously competed or are currently playing in top European women’s leagues, particularly in Italy and Turkey.
Minowa, meanwhile, has spent the last seven years playing in Japan, steadily carving out a reputation as one of Asia’s premier middle blockers.
Now 29, the decorated middle blocker hopes to take the next step in her career with a move to the West, while still keeping the door open for a return to familiar territory.