Jaja Santiago takes talents to US, signs with League One Volleyball

Jaja Santiago is set to begin a new chapter in her volleyball career after signing with League One Volleyball (LOVB), one of the fastest-rising professional volleyball leagues in the United States.

LOVB announced Santiago’s acquisition on Thursday, just days after the veteran middle blocker confirmed her departure from Japan following a highly successful eight-year run in the country’s professional volleyball circuit.

The 30-year-old, who now also uses her Japanese name, Sachi Minowa, heads to the United States after establishing herself as one of Japan’s top middle blockers.

Santiago first made her mark with the Saitama Ageo Medics, where she spent five seasons as a dominant presence at the net. She later joined Osaka Marvelous and played a key role in the team's championship run during the 2024-25 season of the SV.League.

For the 2025-26 campaign, Santiago suited up for the Denso Airybees, which became her final stop in Japan before pursuing an opportunity abroad.

During her time in Japan, Santiago earned multiple accolades, including two Best Middle Blocker awards, while building a reputation as one of the league’s most dependable front-row players.

A major milestone in her career came in 2024 when she officially obtained Japanese citizenship.

Prior to her overseas success, Santiago was among the most dominant figures in Philippine volleyball. Her last appearance in local competition came in the 2021 Premier Volleyball League Open Conference, where she captained Chery Tiggo Crossovers to the franchise’s first championship.

Established in 2020, LOVB launched its inaugural professional season in 2025 and has rapidly become a destination for elite volleyball talent. Under its unique structure, players sign directly with the league before being assigned to one of its 10 professional clubs.

Santiago joins an impressive roster of international stars that includes reigning MVP Jordan Thompson, Olympic gold medalist Jordan Larson, Japanese national team libero Manami Kojima, and former PVL import Khat Bell.

She also becomes part of a growing group of international standouts joining the league, including Thailand national team star Pimpichaya Kokram.

After a decorated and championship-filled stint in Japan, Santiago now sets her sights on making an impact in the American professional volleyball scene.