Ateneo’s Brian Castro during a game against UST in UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo standout Brian Castro is taking his act to Japan SV.League club Fragolad Kagoshima as an import for the 2026-27 season.
Castro, through his agency VP Global Management, announced on Friday.
“I’d prefer to say I’m very excited. That is one in every of the largest experiences I’ll ever do in my volleyball profession. I’m very excited. I’d prefer to say thanks to the entire team that’s helped me get so far,” said Castro in a web based press conference.
“I’m within the US. I’m just having fun with seeing my family and friends for now. But I’m also playing volleyball, preparing mentally and physically. I actually just played volleyball straight away, but once I come back to the Philippines in two weeks, I’ll be playing volleyball much more consistently.”
The Blue Eagle will likely be a part of Fragolad Kagoshima’s debut within the SV.League after the club earned its promotion to Division 1, with VP Global Management and FIVB agent Alessandro Castro finding one of the best opportunity for him.
Castro will join men’s volleyball stars Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo, who made their groundbreaking entries to Japan’s Division 1 league.
“They’ve at all times inspired me ever since I’ve watched them back within the UAAP days. I’ve actually played against Kuya Marck back in last yr in our training camp in Osaka when he was together with his Japanese team and it was such a terrific experience,” said Castro.
“And it was super inspiring to see that Kuya Marck and even Kuya Bryan that all of us can play in overseas volleyball. I’m very excited to at all times represent them and represent the Filipino community.”
He’ll join an elite group of Filipino imports within the SV.League with Jaja Santiago, Alyssa Solomon, Jia De Guzman, Maddie Madayag, and Dindin Santiago-Manabat.
The young middle blocker played two seasons for Ateneo within the UAAP and reached the Final 4 in his last playing yr in Season 88.
Alessandro Castro, an FIVB-licensed agent in Japanese volleyball, said Kagoshima was searching for an Asian import and located Brian to be an ideal fit.
He added that more Filipinos are expected to play in Japan, with the growing talent of the athletes.
“Brian appeared to be very motivated and smart. The team of Kagoshima was searching for an Asian player. They still had one spot left for the Asian player, and principally the whole lot went quite big, and perhaps a month after the primary contact, we were capable of close a contract,” said Alessandro. “I hope there will likely be more signings to return.”