Students Herald Appoints Award-Winning Coach Marty Jan Soria to Lead Student Sports and Athlete Development Division

Students Herald has officially announced the establishment of its Student Sports and Athlete Development Division, signalling a new chapter in the organisation's commitment to empowering young people through education, leadership, and community engagement.

The initiative introduces a fresh approach to youth sports development by positioning volleyball as more than a competitive sport. Instead, it becomes a platform for developing confidence, discipline, leadership, and creating pathways to higher education and future opportunities.

To lead the division, Students Herald has appointed award-winning volleyball coach Marty as Director of the Student Sports and Athlete Development Division.

Soria will work closely with Students Herald Regional Director Kharissa Bienes as both lead the planning and implementation of the programme, bringing together expertise in athlete development, international education, media, and strategic partnerships to build a sustainable youth development platform.

A Leader with Proven Experience

Soria is recognised within the Philippine volleyball community for his achievements as both an athlete and coach.

A graduate of Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and is currently pursuing a Master's in Physical Education and Sports Science at the University of Batangas, reflecting his commitment to continuous professional development in sports education.

He is also a Level 2 Coach accredited by the International Association of Physical Education and Sports, Inc., demonstrating recognised coaching competency and technical expertise.

His coaching experience includes serving as Head Coach for the University of Perpetual Help System Laguna Girls Volleyball Team and as Head Coach for the Lakeshore Colleges Girls and Women's Volleyball Team.

An Outstanding Playing Career

Before transitioning into coaching, Soria established himself as one of the standout collegiate volleyball players of his generation.

His accomplishments include being recognised as Athlete of the Year by the City of San Pedro, reflecting years of excellence and dedication in competitive sport.

He also represented CALABARZON in both the Southern Tagalog Athletic Association (STCAA) and the Palarong Pambansa, competing at the regional and national levels.

Within the NCAA South, Soria earned multiple individual honours, including:

• Best Setter and Rookie of the Year (Champion)

• Most Valuable Player (Champion)

• Most Valuable Player (Champion)

• Best Setter (Runner-up Team)

These achievements established his reputation as an accomplished setter, respected competitor, and influential leader on the court.

Beyond the Scoreboard

For Students Herald, the appointment represents more than the addition of an accomplished coach. It reflects the organisation's broader vision of creating a youth development ecosystem where athletics and education work hand in hand.

Unlike traditional sports academies that focus primarily on athletic performance, the Students Herald Athlete Development Programme has been designed around a holistic philosophy that prepares young people for success both on and off the court.

Participants will receive professional volleyball coaching while also gaining access to leadership development, communication skills training, education awareness programmes, career guidance, community engagement initiatives, and opportunities to explore higher education pathways.

"Sport has the ability to shape character, build resilience, and inspire ambition," Students Herald said in announcing the initiative.

"Our goal is not simply to develop better volleyball players, but to help develop confident young people who are prepared to succeed in education, in their careers, and in their communities."

A Natural Extension of Students Herald's Mission

Students Herald has become recognised as an international education media and market development platform, working with universities, education providers, and institutional partners across Asia to expand access to quality education and international opportunities.

The establishment of the Student Sports and Athlete Development Division represents a natural evolution of that mission.

Rather than viewing education and sport as separate pathways, the organisation believes both play complementary roles in developing future leaders.

More Than a Volleyball Programme

The initiative will extend well beyond regular training sessions.

Students Herald plans to introduce leadership workshops, parent engagement programmes, school outreach activities, community coaching clinics, volunteer initiatives, education seminars, and athlete mentorship programmes designed to encourage holistic development.

The organisation's media division will also play a significant role in documenting athlete journeys through interviews, documentary productions, behind-the-scenes features, and editorial storytelling that celebrates both personal and athletic growth.

Building Meaningful Partnerships

As part of the programme's long-term vision, Students Herald will actively engage universities, corporate organisations, foundations, and community partners to support youth development through strategic sponsorships and collaborative initiatives.

Rather than offering conventional sports sponsorship, the programme aims to create partnerships centred on education, leadership, community engagement, health, and social impact.

The organisation believes this model provides meaningful value for partners while creating lasting opportunities for young athletes and their families.

Looking Ahead

The first phase of the initiative will focus on establishing beginner-friendly volleyball programmes, strengthening coaching systems, expanding community engagement, and developing sustainable partnerships across the education and corporate sectors.

The long-term vision is to establish a platform where sport becomes a gateway to personal growth, educational opportunity, and lifelong success.

For Students Herald, success will not be defined only by medals or championships but by the number of young people who gain confidence, explore new opportunities, pursue higher education and achieve their full potential.

With the appointment of Marty Jan Soria and the launch of the Student Sports and Athlete Development Division, Students Herald is taking its first step towards building a movement that demonstrates how sport, when combined with education and purpose, can help shape the next generation of leaders.