Ateneo’s Castro earns a shot at Japan dream

Ateneo’s Brian Castro during a game against UST in UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

When Brian Castro left the United States to play for Ateneo, he had Japan’s SV.League already in his sights.

“Before I left the US, I was telling myself, like, [I plan] to play for Ateneo for two years and then play overseas. And I specifically said to myself, I’m going to play in Japan. Like, no matter how long it takes me, I’m going to play in Japan,” Castro said in an online press conference on Friday afternoon.

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After playing two seasons in the UAAP, the Blue Eagles’ middle blocker achieved his ultimate goal.

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Through his agency, VP Global Management, and FIVB (international volleyball federation)-licensed agent Alessandro Castro, the Ateneo standout booked a gig as the Asian import for the Fragolad Kagoshima in the 2026-27 season.

“To do it right after Ateneo, it’s a surreal experience and I’m very grateful. And I really want to say thank you to Sir Ale and VP Global for making this happen. You know, without them, I wouldn’t be here,” Castro said.

The Filipino-American player will follow in the footsteps of Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo, who made their groundbreaking entries to Japan’s Division 1 league, and joins an elite group of Filipino imports in the SV.League that includes Jaja Santiago, Alyssa Solomon, Jia De Guzman, Maddie Madayag and Dindin Santiago-Manabat.

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“Every Filipino who’s gone overseas is there to represent, and I’d like to do the same: represent this country, represent Ateneo. It’s just to represent myself. I’ll be my name on the jersey,” said Castro.

Castro is eager to grow with the newly promoted Division 1 team, seeking to learn from the world-class style of the Japanese and the imports in the league.

“I’m really excited to learn from Japanese volleyball. You know, here in the Philippines, it’s a lot faster pace of volleyball. And in Japan, it’s even much, it’s much more faster. And also in this league, the SV League, it’s Division One. So it’s the highest league in Japan. So it’s gonna be even faster and it’s gonna have really one of the best talents in the world,” he said. INQ

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