Player Profile Series: The fierce journey of Aiza Maizo-Pontillas

Aiza Maizo-Pontillas’s rise in Philippine volleyball is a story of passion, leadership, and relentless pursuit of excellence. 

Born on a leap day, February 29, 1988, Aiza’s journey began at Passi National High School, where the seeds of her volleyball dreams were planted. But it was at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) that she truly blossomed — transforming from a back-up setter into one of the fiercest opposite hitters the country has seen.

Her collegiate years with the UST Golden Tigresses were nothing short of remarkable. Starting in UAAP Season 68, she was a bench player, quietly learning the ropes. But by the next season, her coach August Sta. Maria saw her potential and shifted her to opposite hitter — a position that would showcase her explosive attacks and fierce presence on the court.

In UAAP Season 69, she helped lead UST to their 15th championship, marking her first taste of glory. But Aiza was just getting started. As team captain in Season 71, she guided the Tigresses to a bronze finish, personally earning the Best Attacker award. 

Then came Season 72, a season to remember, as UST claimed their 16th UAAP championship by toppling fierce rivals De La Salle University. Aiza’s leadership and skill were instrumental in this triumph.

Her final collegiate season ended with a bittersweet silver finish after a hard-fought series against La Salle, but she was recognized as both the Best Scorer and Best Receiver — a testament to her all-around game.

Aiza’s dominance extended beyond the UAAP. In the Shakey’s V-League, she led UST to five championship titles, including a historic three-peat. She earned accolades across the board: Best Server, Best Blocker, Conference MVP, and Finals MVP. 

She was the first Filipina to win both Finals and Season MVP twice in a single conference, a feat that cemented her legendary status in the league.

After college, Aiza took her talents to the semi-professional scene, playing for the Philippine Air Force and Philippine Navy teams, as well as guest appearances with UST Tigresses and the Cagayan Valley Lady Rising Suns. With Cagayan Valley, she achieved a perfect 16-0 sweep in one conference and collected multiple MVP awards, including Finals MVP and Best Scorer.

Her professional career truly took off with the Petron Blaze Spikers in the Philippine Super Liga (PSL). Between 2016 and 2020, she amassed four PSL championships and multiple Best Opposite Spiker awards, including the prestigious MVP title in the 2017 All-Filipino Conference. Aiza’s powerful spikes and consistent play made her a nightmare for opposing defenses.

In 2021, she made her Premier Volleyball League (PVL) debut with Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors before transferring to the Petro Gazz Angels in 2022. With Petro Gazz, she added more silverware to her collection, including a PVL Reinforced Conference championship and several runner-up finishes, continuing to prove that even years into her career, she remains a force on the court.

Aiza’s story is not just about club success. She proudly represented the Philippines on the national stage, debuting in the 2013 Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship. 

Though the team faced tough competition, she remained a cornerstone of the squad, contributing to bronze medals in the 2017 Princess Maja Chakri Sirindhorn’s Cup and the 2019 ASEAN Grand Prix.

Through injuries, team changes, and fierce competition, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas’s journey reflects a relentless spirit. 

From a young player quietly learning on the bench to a celebrated leader and multi-awarded champion, she has become one of Philippine volleyball’s most enduring icons — inspiring countless young athletes who dream of following in her footsteps.