Jaja Santiago set for US pro volleyball stint

Jaja Santiago watching a game in the VNL Women’s Week 2 at PhilSports Arena in Pasig. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Jaja Santiago, now known as Sachi Minowa, is headed to the United States starting next year to continue her volleyball career.

After playing in Japan for nine years, the 6-foot-5 middle blocker is set to become the first Filipino homegrown talent to compete in the professional league in the US.

Santiago bared her next career move on Friday, saying the season begins in January, but she has yet to name her club and league, leaving the announcement to the team.

Jaja Santiago (Sachi Minowa) is headed to the US.

Her new club team is set to announce soon. #BePartOfTheGame | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/cOv2KJ5E5t

— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) June 19, 2026

“I’m going to US next season. I’ll let you guess where that is,” Santiago told the reporters while watching the Volleyball Nations League between Japan and Czechia at Philsports Arena. “I think next week, they will announce–the league–where I will play.”

With a long hiatus before she flies to the US in November, the former PVL Open Conference and Finals MVP said she is reviewing other offers. A possible PVL comeback remains on the table, though nothing is final as she also hopes to spend more time with her family and her husband.

Jaja Santiago with her husband Taka Minowa watching a game in the VNL Women’s Week 2 at PhilSports Arena in Pasig. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“Right now, I’m working out with Coach Luis because I need to. Sometimes, Taka and I also do workouts. We’re going to find a place where I can do workouts and ball training because I need to stay in shape since the league starts in January. I’ll be there in November. There’s a long gap, so I need to find a way to stay in condition by then,” she said.

“Actually, there are a lot of offers, but I’m still thinking about it. I also told Taka that I want to rest. I’m not sure right now, but if my schedule allows it—because my plan when I go home is to spend time with my family and travel with Taka—we’re still checking if the schedules will align. You never know.”

Santiago last suited up for the Denso AiryBees in the 2025-26 Japan SV.League, where they finished ninth with a 22-22 record.

The former UAAP MVP out of National University first moved to Japan in 2018 with Ageo Medics, where she played until 2023.

She then joined reigning champion Osaka Marvelous in 2024 and went on to win a title with the club last year.

Santiago, married to former Akari coach Taka Minowa, officially gained Japanese citizenship in 2024.