Mark Bondoc is taking his ball and heading east — way east.

The three-year varsity starter for the Manteca High boys volleyball team, and 2024 Valley Oak League MVP, has committed to the University of Valley Forge in Phoenixville, Penn. and looks to make his mark with Patriots volleyball, an NCAA Division III team.

“This feels amazing knowing that I have been around such a big community of people with volleyball for the four years I have been playing,” Bondoc said. “The community has been astounding. I couldn’t ask for a better sport to be a part of and I hope it keeps on going and continues to grow.”

Jennifer Reis had the pleasure of coaching the super setter for his entire high-school career.

“I coached Mark all four years because I had junior varsity back then as well,” Reis said. “He has been a joy. His freshman year after every practice he would come up to me and say, ‘Hey coach, what can I work on? What can I do to get better?” He sincerely wants to know – he wants that input. He wants to be coached and wants to implement what he is told.

“He leaves some big shoes to fill. His setting is remarkable along with his skill set. But, the positive energy the leadership and all those things that go with it is going to be hard to replace.”

The University of Valley Forge is a volleyball team heading in the right direction. Following three losing seasons from 2021-2023, the Patriots went 24-21 over the last two campaigns.