INCOMING Alas Pilipinas Men head coach Angiolino Frigoni became the latest addition to a growing list of foreign coaches to enter the Philippine volleyball scene.
There’s something particularly unique, however, with how the 70-year-old Italian mentor has taken on the challenge of leading Alas’ rebuild.
In former national coach and current deputy Dante Alinsunurin’s view, Frigoni’s leadership has been transformative and one that cascaded not only to the players but for the local coaches, too.
The veteran shot-caller’s patience and courage to make the most of the Philippines’ talent are second to none as they pursue elevating the men’s game in the country.
“Ako sobrang thankful kasi may dumating na ganu’ng tao na nag-ttiyaga sa’min para tumaas pa ‘yung level ng style ng play namin dito sa national team kasi in the past years talaga, ‘yun ang nagiging problema namin — kung paano maiangat ‘yung men’s (volleyball),” Alinsunurin said.
“Talagang tina-tiyaga niya kami, hindi nga lang players eh. Pati coaches, natututo kami sa ginagawa niya. Sobrang nakaka-inspire lagi pumunta ng training kasi marami kang mapupulot sa kanya, hindi lang players pati coaches.”
The concurrent Choco Mucho mentor’s anecdote on Frigoni’s two-month stint to date handling the national team was one filled with praise for the high level of competition within the squad — hence, making the job of cutting Alas’ Southeast Asia (SEA) V.League side to 14 a difficult ordeal.
And by the 2024 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship on home soil and the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand next year, Alinsunurin has high hopes on the promise of what could be for Philippine volleyball by then.
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