Josh Ybañez

Josh Ybañez (born March 25, 2003) is a Filipino volleyball player. He is currently playing for the UST Golden Spikers in the UAAP as an outside hitter. He is also an active member of the national team playing as the libero.

Early life Josh Ybañez was born on March 25, 2003 in General Santos, Philippines. His brothers inspired him to took up volleyball.

Career Collegiate Ybañez joined the Golden Spikers of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). Under the mentorship of head coach Odjie Mamon, Ybanez started as a bench player for the Golden Spikers at the 2022 V-League Collegiate Challenge.

He made his first UAAP appearance in the men's volleyball with UST Golden Spikers in UAAP Season 85 in 2023, where they bagged the silver medal. He also awarded as the Rookie of the Year and Season's Most Valuable Player (MVP). The NU Bulldogs were champions for that season.

UST finished as runners-up again to NU in Season 86 in 2024. He then played for the Golden Spikers (as UST–Gameville) at the Spikers' Turf.

In UAAP Season 88 in 2026, the Golden Spikers once again finished outside the Final Four, but Ybañez was praised by UST's coaches for "carrying" the team.

Ybañez has committed to exhaust his final year of college eligibility and will play in UAAP Season 89. He debuted for his country at the 2024 AVC Men's Challenge Cup in Bahrain.

Personal life Ybañez is open about being LGBTQ. He has disclosed his struggles dealing with self-esteem growing up and has pursued inspiring other LGBTQ youth through his role as a volleyball player. Rookie of the Year 1st Best Outside Hitter V-League Collegiate Conference's Most Valuable Player

Most Valuable Player

1st Best Outside Spiker

Season's Most Valuable Player

1st Best Outside Hitter 2025 SEA V.League Leg 2 Best Libero

Season's Most Valuable Player

1st Best Outside Spiker SEA V Cup Leg 1 Best Libero

Collegiate UST Golden Spikers YearLeagueSeason/ConferenceTitleRef2022 V-League Collegiate Runner-up 2023 UAAP 85 Runner-up V-League Collegiate Runner-up PNVF Challenge Cup Champions 2024 UAAP 86 Runner-up 2025 UAAP 87 3rd place V-League Collegiate 3rd place 2026 UAAP 88 3rd place

National Team YearLeagueSeason/ConferenceTitleRef2024 SEA V.League Leg 1 3rd place SEA V.League Leg 2 3rd place