SHERWIN Meneses has long built a reputation as one of the calmest figures on the sidelines.
But even he admits there are still moments when that signature composure gets tested.
From staring down three match points to being pushed to a deciding fifth set by PLDT, Creamline’s riveting escape to open the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals had the veteran coach feeling the nerves.
READ: Creamline stuns PLDT in five, nears PVL finals return
“Siguro, robot lang ‘yung hindi kinakabahan,” he told reporters after the five-setter.
Those nerves eventually gave way to relief, as the Cool Smashers finally broke through, beating the High Speed Hitters for the first time in three years and snapping a five-game skid in their head-to-head.
Still, when asked to reflect on the win, Meneses stayed true to his steady demeanor.
For him, pressure is part of the territory, especially for a team like Creamline that is constantly expected to come through.
“Nandyan naman ‘yung kaba palagi. Alam naman natin na kapag Creamline, laging pressure game ‘yan. Pero I think, nalalabanan naman, nasanay na rin na kinakabahan,” he said.
Zero pressure, zero diamonds
Instead of letting it overwhelm him, Meneses chooses to embrace those moments whenever his champion team gets pushed to the limit.
“Ine-enjoy ko pa rin kasi siyempre, ‘yung opportunity na nandu’n ka sa situation na ‘yun is talagang masaya, lalo na kapag nakikita mo ‘yung team mo na talagang hindi bumibigay at binibigay na ‘yung 100-percent nila,” he said.
It is that fight from his players that makes the tension worthwhile.
At the same time, Meneses admitted that close contests never get easier, especially when his side finds itself clawing back or hanging on in crucial stretches.
“As a coach, du’n naman kami masaya kapag nakikita mo ‘yung player mo talaga na binibigay lahat, pero nakakakaba rin kapag ganu’n na naghahabol ka palagi,” he said.
In the end, even the calmest coach feels it. The difference is how he handles it.
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