From UAAP Champion to Japan's V.League: Leo Aringo Signs with Saitama Azalea
Former National University Bulldogs captain Leo Aringo has signed with the Saitama Azalea team in Japan's V.League for the 2025-26 season, marking his transition from a successful collegiate career to professional volleyball. Aringo, who led NU to three UAAP championships and was named Finals MVP in Season 87, is the second Bulldog to join the Japanese league following Bryan Bagunas.
Key Points
Leo Aringo, former captain of the National University Bulldogs, has signed with Saitama Azalea for the 2025-26 season of Japan's V.League.
Aringo's signing was announced via a social media post by Saitama Azalea on June 17.
He won three UAAP championships with NU and was the Finals MVP in Season 87.
Aringo is the second NU Bulldog to play in the Japanese league, following Bryan Bagunas.
He played a crucial role in NU's five-peat in the Final Four era and their victory over Far Eastern University Tamaraws in the Season 87 Finals.
Aringo, an outside spiker from Davao City, aims to make an impact in the V.League's East division.
