Faith Nisperos leaves Ateneo, goes pro

Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagles captain Faith Nisperos is moving on from collegiate play, the university announced on Tuesday.

In a tweet, ADMU said Nisperos has informed them that she will enter the pros after concluding her studies in Ateneo.

"Faith Nisperos, team captain of the Ateneo Blue Eagles Women's Volleyball Team, has informed the University that she will be entering the world of professional volleyball as she concludes her studies in Ateneo," the post said.

[Blue Eagles update] Faith Nisperos, team captain of the Ateneo Blue Eagles Women's Volleyball Team, has informed the University that she will be entering the world of professional volleyball as she concludes her studies in Ateneo.

Godspeed, Faith! https://t.co/DVJfxhz40G pic.twitter.com/Pc3rI8AbZP

— Ateneo de Manila University (@ateneodemanilau) May 9, 2023

Ateneo thanked Nisperos for "being a model student-athlete embodying the One Big Fight spirit inside and outside the court."

"We fully believe that Faith will continue to inspire volleyball athletes and fans in Ateneo and beyond in the years to come, all for the greater glory of God, ad majorem Dei gloriam."

In the PVL's official website, the league announced that Nisperos will play for the Akari Chargers. The 23-year-old outside hitter said her decision has something to do with national team coach Jorge De Brito.

"I chose to go to Akari for several reasons. Of course, number one, I worked well with the coach. Coach Jorge [De Brito] and I have worked together in 2021 when I was part of the national team," Nisperos said in the PVL website article.

Nisperos entered the Ateneo program in 2019 after a successful junior career with the National University Junior Lady Bulldogs. The two-time girls' division MVP debuted in the UAAP Season 82, although that tournament was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When the tournament came back in Season 84, Nisperos led the Blue Eagles to the Final Four, before crashing out in the second round of the stepladder semis against rivals De La Salle University Lady Spikers.

This year, Nisperos and the Blue Eagles missed the Final Four after a forgettable 4-10 win-loss card.

Faith will be a huge firepower boost to the Chargers after Akari finished second to the last in the PVL All-Filipino conference with a 2-6 win-loss card.