For young athletes, the ultimate aspiration is to wear their country’s colors and compete for their homeland on the global stage. Harboring vast dreams, Green Spiker Noel Kampton proved with great determination that this feat is far from impossible—raising the Philippine flag in world-class volleyball leagues.
Last May 2024, it was announced that the six-foot-two outside hitter from De La Salle University would join the 21-man lineup of Alas Pilipinas in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup. Kampton made a significant leap, from leading the Green Spikers to a Final Four appearance in UAAP Season 86 Men’s Volleyball to developing his maturity as a player of the Philippine team. Advancing beyond the confines of training camps, competitions, and team-building exercises, he is poised to apply the valuable insights he gained as he progresses as a Lasallian and a member of the national team.
Spiking on cloud nine
Kampton was in disbelief when coach Odjie Mamon, then-head coach of the Philippines’ Men’s Volleyball Team, tendered the news that he was selected to be part of the training pool. “Sobrang laking utang na loob ko kay Coach Odjie…natuwa ako, even though magkalaban kami ng university, kinuha niya pa rin ako.”
(I’m deeply grateful to coach Odjie…I was thrilled when he selected me, even though we were from rival universities.)
Despite his recent achievements, the fourth-year AB Sports Management student remains grounded. He attributes his success to the Lasallian values he learned, which have guided him throughout his journey. “I wouldn’t be here on the national team [without] La Salle,” he said, acknowledging the pivotal role of the school in providing him with opportunities.
Kampton further highlights the importance of teamwork, a principle he embraced as a Lasallian student and varsity member: “Under DLSU, they taught me how to become a team player, not just a player.” He adds that even if one is skilled individually, becoming a reliable teammate is crucial for driving a squad toward greater success.
Crossing courts
After training in various countries, Kampton explains that their preparation mirrors the routines they typically do in the Philippines, with adjustments made to account for factors like the weather and time differences. “Same lang din naman yung training namin parang nasa Philippines kami pero nag-a-adjust kami sa weather ‘tsaka sa time,” he says. Despite these changes, the Lasallian marksman shares that it has been an incredible experience, especially during their tune-up games.
(Our training is the same as when we’re in the Philippines, but here, we adjust to the weather and the time.)
Kampton reflects on his challenges and current standing in the world of volleyball, acknowledging that he still has a long way to go before reaching the highest level of play. “I would say it is so hard… sa collegiate [level] nga medyo hindi pa naman ako sobrang nagdo-dominate… tapos biglang nagka-chance ako [na] makalaro sa international [level]… Gusto ko lang… mag-improve pa.” In his free time, he takes his coach’s advice and watches the games of international players, keen to learn even the smallest details of their techniques.
(In collegiate tournaments, I’m not really dominating yet… then suddenly, I got the chance to play internationally… I just really want to improve.)
Transitioning from one stage to another, Kampton notes that the collegiate and international playing fields differ significantly, particularly in the mindset required on the court. “Sa collegiate [level] kasi… pag nagkamali ka, alam mo yun, didibdibin namin yun… But dito… Hindi na namin iisipin yung mali namin. Isipin na agad namin yung move forward na.” He underscores the importance of courage and resilience at the international level and, most importantly, the need to look ahead for the next ball.
(At the collegiate level, it’s like when you make a mistake, you really take it to heart… But here… we don’t think about our mistakes anymore. We just focus on moving forward.)
Target locked, dreams unlocked
Despite the strenuous challenges that Kampton had to endure during training, he persistently showed out, seizing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for his volleyball career. “Lots of volleyball players dream to join the national team,” he gratifyingly acknowledges. “Iyon ang dream ko, to represent the country. And hindi lang to represent the country iyong gusto ko, [but] iyong makaka-experience ako ng high-level volleyball.”
(That’s my dream, to represent the country. Not only do I want to represent the country, [but] also to experience high-level volleyball.)
Kampton plans to bring the lessons he learned from the national team to his next stint with the DLSU Green Spikers, which he declares as his ultimate goal.
The Taft mainstay had words of wisdom for all aspiring players who also dream of donning the colors of the Philippines on the volleyball court: “Kapag may chance, grab the opportunity lang,” pointing out the importance of seizing fleeting opportunities. “And siyempre mag-pray rin. Humingi ng lakas ng loob kay Lord,” he adds.
(Once there’s a chance, just grab the opportunity. And, of course, also pray. Gather strength from the Lord.)
Beyond his own skill and hard work, the 24-year-old Lasallian star athlete dedicates his success to the empowering support of the whole Lasallian community, his professors, the University’s Office for Sports Development, his student managers, and his coaches. “Babawi ako and babalik ako sa DLSU soon,” he said in anticipation of his return to his home turf, now with a broader mindset on the dynamic world of volleyball.
(I’ll make up for this and return to DLSU soon.)
True to their recent monicker change, Alas Pilipinas continued to demonstrate why they are hailed as the country’s aces after earning back-to-back bronze medals in the Manila and Yogyakarta legs of the 2024 SEA Men’s V-League—a better showing than in the league’s inaugural installation. However, the national team’s hurdles do not end there as it faces its toughest challenge yet as the host squad of the upcoming 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship. As the pinnacle of senior men’s volleyball, the event will feature powerhouses such as Italy, Japan, USA, and Poland, among others.
As for King Archer Kampton, the sky is the limit for what more he can achieve, adding another prized experience to his already commendable volleyball career. For now, he continues to fight for the Green-and-White as he gears up with the DLSU Green Spikers in hopes of exacting a breakthrough campaign in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament.
This article was published in The LaSallian‘s January 2025 issue. To read more, visit bit.ly/TLSJanuary2025.
