Backed by intense offseason preparation and an expanded varsity roster, 250 student-athletes of the University of Makati (UMak) Great Brave Herons formally launched their dual-league campaign during the Athlete’s Send-Off 2026 organized by the Center for Athletic Development (CAD) on October 14, 2026, at the Health and Physical Science Building (HPSB) 12th Floor Basketball Court.
UMak signaled the event to mark their dual bid for the collegiate honors in the Universities and Colleges Premier League (UCPL) Season 3 and the National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (NAASCU) Season 24.
The university fields contenders across eight core events in NAASCU Season 24: basketball, volleyball, table tennis, badminton, chess, dancesport, taekwondo, and cheer dance.
Meanwhile, the Herons expanded their roster in UCPL Season 3 by contesting all eight traditional disciplines alongside competitive swimming and esports—underscoring the university’s growing footprint in modern collegiate athletics.
The send-off ceremony featured a solemn blessing of the delegation, a special performance from the athletes, and the formal introduction of all participating contenders ahead of their upcoming national tournaments. School administrators, athletic staff, and coaches joined the send-off to rally the delegation before official fixtures commence across Metro Manila.
Addressing the mental demands of a dual-league season, Great Brave Herons President and Men’s Volleyball Captain Elijah Attunaga noted that preparation extended well beyond the court.
“Our preparation goes beyond physical training—we focused on discipline, teamwork, and mental toughness,” Attunaga said. “Balancing academics with training is a rough journey, but we see the pressure as an opportunity to grow and prove what we are capable of,” he added.
Student-athletes capped the program with a collective pledge of sportsmanship, committing to aggressive play and tactical discipline across both league schedules. Attunaga stressed that the delegation shared a single purpose: “We carry the name of UMak with heart because we represent the entire community.”
With the opening for NAASCU set to commence on October 21, 2026, at the Makati Coliseum, and the UCPL season slated to kick off soon, the Great Brave Herons are geared to showcase the results of their rigorous training as the new season begins.
