BACOLOD City – Bacolodnon volleyball standout Jian Matthew Salarzon is set to fulfill his dream to be part of Ateneo de Manila University’s men’s volleyball team.
The 6-foot-2 open hitter said it was a mutual interest between him and the Blue Eagles, which has been eyeing the Bacolod City native three year ago following his Palarong Pambansa stint.
“I was being recruited by Ateneo since Grade 9. They saw me when I was playing for Western Visayas’ team in the Palarong Pambansa. They were very persistent until I committed,” Salarzon told Panay News on Sunday.
“They expressed pure intention in recruiting me and I know they’ll exceed my expectations,” he added. “Ateneo is a prestigious school and dream ko talaga makapasok sa system nila.”
“This is not just about their sports program but it is also my dream to attain an Atenean diploma. Alam naman ng lahat kung gaano kaganda academic and sports program ng Ateneo,” he further said.
The 18-year-old Salarzon was a former standout of Living Stones International School under head coach Michael Larroza and represented Western Visayas in various tournaments before.
Salarzon became part of MRT-Negros Team of coach Ralph Savellano that competed in the PNVF Champions League and also received an invite for national men’s volleyball team tryout.
Salarzon also had a fitting exit with the LSIS recently as he played a key role in the school’s championship run in the Mayor JPT “New Normal” Volleyball Invitational in Iloilo and VolleyPrep men’s volleyball event in Aklan.
“Actually, kinakabahan din ako dahil panibagong environment uli sa Ateneo and mag-a-adjust ako sa system nila but I am very grateful for the opportunities that opened up for me,” Salarzon said.
“Hopefully, I can perform well and exceed din their expectations sa akin. UAAP is also very competitive. I’ll surely work hard and not waste this opportunity,” he added./PN
