When National University needed someone to steady the ship, it was one of their youngest who rose to the occasion.
Homegrown talent Yuan Mendoza, a proud product of NU’s Nazareth School program, is proving that the future of Bulldogs volleyball is in capable hands. With senior stars Jade Disquitado and Buds Buddin away on national team duties for Alas Pilipinas Men, the defending UAAP champions found themselves vulnerable early in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge, dropping back-to-back matches and slipping to 1-2 in the standings.
Then came the turning point. Facing long-time rival University of Santo Tomas, the Bulldogs rediscovered their bite, battling through a grueling five-setter to finally break the skid. Mendoza, alongside fellow rookie Luke Macatangay, provided the much-needed spark, combining fearless offense with steady floor defense to lift NU back into contention.
For Mendoza, who finished with 18 points on 16 attacks, an ace, a block, and 13 excellent digs, the performance wasn’t just about numbers—it was personal.
“No pressure lang sa akin kung pwesto ba ni kuya Buds or kahit kanino pa yung pinupunan ko. Kinakausap naman kasi kami nila kuya Buds. Kami ni Luke [Macatangay], lagi kami nakakausap ni kuya Buds,” Mendoza shared, speaking fondly of the mentorship he receives even while Buddin trains abroad for the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.
“Kaya gusto ko rin magpasikat kay kuya Buds talaga kasi alam ko nanonood siya ‘eh. Mamaya sa group chat namin magcha-chat na ‘yon kung ano yung mga kulang namin,” he added, a smile breaking through as he recalled the Bulldogs’ team banter.
Mendoza’s path to this moment wasn’t without doubts. Standing shorter than the average outside hitter, the pride of Bulacan once questioned whether NU was the right fit. But Buddin’s journey—a three-time UAAP champion and two-time SEA V.League Best Outside Hitter—became his blueprint for perseverance.
“Galing ako ng [NU] Nazareth, bago ako mapunta sa Nazareth, na-recruit nila ako sa Palarong Pambansa. Two years ako sa Nazareth tapos nagdadalawang isip pa nga ako dati sa NU kasi ang liit ko lang,” Mendoza admitted.
“Sabi ko lang na try ko na lang din kasi gusto ko maging katulad ni kuya Buds. Idol ko si kuya Buds and grabe rin pinagdaanan niya kaya gusto ko siya maging kampi siya and kaya rin nag-NU na ako. Gusto ko rin yung sistema nila coach [Dante Alinsunurin], mababait sila coach,” he added.
It’s that same trust—from mentors like Buddin and head coach Dante Alinsunurin—that fuels his relentless work ethic. Mendoza revealed that he’s been training thrice a day, driven by the desire to repay the faith placed in him as NU eyes an improvement on its bronze-medal finish from last season’s V-League.
“Thankful ako kila kuya Buds at coach Dante kasi parang ano naman, pag may tiwala sa akin yung mga coaches or kuyas, kailangan ko panghawakan ‘yon. Hindi ko na ‘yon bibitawan," he said.
"Sulit yung three times of training ko ng isang araw kasi kada game, kailangan paghandaan talaga. Alam ko naman na kahit galing ako sa second six, papagkatiwalaan pa rin ako ni coach. Think positive lang talaga ako palagi."
