The UP women's volleyball team training pool, which includes top recruit Casiey Dongallo. Handout/UP OASD

MANILA -- The University of the Philippines is planning to beef up its coaching staff in women's volleyball, in the hopes of breaking into the upper echelon of the sport in the UAAP.

The development was confirmed by one of the team's backers, Frank Lao, who has been supporting both the men's and women's programs through Strong Group Athletics (SGA) since 2023.

"No promises, but I think next year will be more exciting. We will do our best," said Lao of the women's volleyball team.

"We will have new Italian coaches who will be our head consultant and strength-and-conditioning. There will be many more things for our players to learn," he added.

Benson Bocboc will still call the shots for the Fighting Maroons as they seek to improve from their showing in Season 87, where they compiled a 6-8 record that was good for joint fifth along with Adamson University.

Season 88 will also mark the debuts of highly-touted transferees Casiey Dongallo, Kizzie Madriaga, and Gelai Gajero, who made a much-publicized move from the University of the East to UP.

Casiey Dongallo on her transfer: ‘Kahit nasa UP ako, ‘di ko pa rin nakalimutan yung UE’

It's official: Casiey Dongallo, 3 others leave UE, transfer to UP

The ultimate goal is for the UP volleyball teams to make a similar rise as their basketball programs, according to UP Office of Athletics and Sports Development Director Bo Perasol.

The UP men's basketball team won its second title in four seasons in Season 87, while the women's team has progressed into a Final 4 contender after years in the doldrums.

"Para magtuloy-tuloy ang excitement at energy ng UP community buong taon, malaking parte ang mga volleyball team natin. They are the ones who will be at the front of the UP Fight for second [semester] sports," said Perasol.