NATIONAL University says Dindin Santiago's academic load this semester is the reason school officials have not given her the clearance to see action in the Open Conference of the Shakey’s V-League.
“It’s true na hindi namin pinayagan, not because we want to but because of her 31 units in school, plus her training in beach volleyball, plus her training in indoor volleyball,” said NU athletic director Junel Baculi to Spin.ph.
“How can you possibly manage to squeeze in the Shakey’s V-League?” Baculi said.
The 19-year-old Santiago is part of the line-up for Smart in the ongoing V-League Open Conference but has not been fielded by the Net Spikers in any game.
Santiago won the MVP title playing for NU in the V-League first conference.
But this time, Baculi said they want to have Santiago concentrate on academics especially that this semester will be the basis for eligibility in Season 76 volleyball competitions which will be played later this year.
“Hindi naman namin pinagbabawalan per se. First semester is the eligibility for indoor volleyball so she has to have (pass) the majority of the 31 units. And it’s not a joke,” Baculi said.
Baculi said NU’s decision is for the benefit of Santiago, too.
“Siyempre, we feel that she should respect the institution which is NU. Hindi naman para sa akin but the institution that you belong. If you are given an ID by an organization and the institution you belong, you have to follow,” said Baculi.
“Kapakanan din naman niya ‘yun. We want the best for our players. Bata pa sila and they need guidance,” said Baculi.
“After graduation, she is just 19. She can play for 20 or 30 years kung kalian niya gusto,” said Baculi.
Baculi said Santiago is also the alternate for the NU women’s beach volleyball team. The tournament began Saturday.
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