Kianne Olango has already etched her mark in the UAAP landscape.
Starting her career with the formidable National University-Nazareth School (NUNS), Olango quickly became a symbol of success, contributing to a dynasty that saw her clinch a UAAP championship and an MVP award alongside her teammate Yesha Noceja.
However, in a surprising twist, Olango and Noceja have decided to take their talents to the University of the Philippines (UP), a team currently in the midst of a rebuilding phase.
This move has turned heads, particularly given the wealth of options the two stars had at their disposal.
For Olango, the decision to join the Fighting Maroons was driven by more than just a change of scenery; it was a mission to instill a winning culture in a team striving for success.
"Gusto ko dalhin yung winning culture na natutunan ko sa NUNS kasi isang magandang school ang UP," Olango remarked following UP's sweep of the University of the East, marking their third victory in the V-League Women's Collegiate Challenge.
Beyond her ambition to elevate UP's volleyball program, Olango was also drawn to the university's esteemed academic reputation and the opportunity for personal growth in a new environment.
"UP talaga ang unang lumapit sa akin and nag-isip-isip lang talaga ako, kasi gusto ko rin makasubok ng new environment," the 5-foot-8 spiker explained, underscoring her readiness for both athletic and academic challenges.
UP Fighting Maroons head coach Oliver Almadro has been vocal about his pride in securing the two NUNS standouts. He is equally delighted with how Olango and her fellow rookies are adapting to the demands of collegiate volleyball.
"Good thing that games like this na high level competition, napapalaban talaga sila, so they're knowing their roles and tumataas ang confidence," said the former Ateneo mentor. "What's important is we're gaining confidence and we're slowly doing what we're needed to do lalo na sa mga high-level games."
Olango’s impact was evident in UP's third win in five matches, where she led the charge with a solid 14-point performance, featuring 11 attacks and three blocks.
Noceja, her former NUNS teammate and current co-star at UP, contributed eight points, showcasing the duo’s growing chemistry and leadership on the court.
As Olango continues to navigate her journey with the Fighting Maroons, her presence signals a new era for UP volleyball.
Her experience, leadership, and desire to cultivate a winning culture could be the catalysts that propel the team to new heights.
For a program looking to rise from the ranks of the league’s rebuilding teams, Olango's decision to join UP is not just a transfer—it's a declaration of her intent to change the narrative and write a new chapter of success.
