MANILA -- Former De La Salle University star Noel Kampton will get to pursue his dream of playing volleyball on the international stage, with the full support of his local club team.
After his stint with the Green Spikers in the UAAP, Kampton signed with Thai team PSNKK Club. He will not join the team until later this year, however, as Kampton will first suit up for the Criss Cross King Crunchers in the Spikers' Turf.
"Ever since I was in high school, dream ko na mag-play sa international level. Siyempre nakikita ko sila Kuya [Marck] Espejo, sila Kuya Bry [Bryan Bagunas]," said Kampton.
"Sabi ko, what if baka kaya ko naman ma-try? Ayun, thank God, nagka-chance ako na mag-sign sa PSNKK Club," he added.
According to Kampton, he will join the Thai club in late November, after playing for the King Crunchers in the Spikers' Turf.
His decision to join the PSNKK Club is fully backed by Criss Cross and Rebisco, Kampton also said.
"Ang sinabi lang sa akin ng Criss Cross is they will support me," he said. "Like, example, punta nga ako ng Thailand. They will 100% support me talaga. Kaya 'yun ang nagustuhan ko sa Criss Cross family, Rebisco family."
Kampton is hopeful that his overseas stint with PSNKK Club will fuel his development as a player, much like how Espejo and Bagunas improved after their campaigns in different countries.
"Knowing Thailand, Thailand is one of the best teams in Southeast Asia. Nag-champion sila two years ago sa AVC. Ngayon, ang makukuha ko sa Thailand kasi, feel ko doon maggo-grow 'yung character ko as a volleyball player din talaga," he said.
In the meantime, Kampton is focused on adapting the system that the King Crunchers are using as well as learning more from head coach Tai Bundit.
"Sinasabi sa akin ni Coach Tai, 'yung training daw sa Thailand, much the same as here, kung anong sistema niya," he said. "So sabi niya, nire-ready niya na daw ako doon. So hopefully, sana mag-fit agad ako sa system ng team ko sa Thailand."