ADMU President Fr Roberto Yap said the move is consistent with Ateneo’s goal of “a more inclusive, gender-equal” community which is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Lux in Domino University Strategic Plan 2021-2030.

“It is a recognition of the fact that each of our student-athletes, whatever their sport or year level, represents the mens sana in corpore sano (sound mind in a sound body) ideal: excelling in the classroom and in the sporting arena, hallmarks of well-rounded Ateneo education and formation,” Yap said in a memorandum.

“We will further solidify and strengthen the ‘One Ateneo’ spirit, bringing together our community not only in sports, but in our shared mission to be a force for good in the world,” he added.

AMDU said the decision is also a significant shift in the overall branding of Ateneo’s athletics program, as it unites all of the university’s sports teams regardless of sport, gender, or age group. 

Previously, only the men’s basketball team was called the Blue Eagles; other teams had their own monikers, such as the Ateneo Lady Eagles for the women’s volleyball team.

“The women’s volleyball team will be the first Ateneo team aside from the men’s basketball team to debut under the Blue Eagles name, as they start their UAAP Season 84 campaign,” the university said.