TINA Salak's tenure at Far Eastern University comes to a close - again.
The Lady Tamaraws announced Saturday the departure of their head coach, closing the book on a second stint that saw Salak restore the green-and-gold's competitive stature in the UAAP before deciding to focus full-time as Akari shot-caller in the PVL.
Unlike her brief exit following Season 85, when she stepped away after marrying and relocating overseas, Salak's latest departure carries a stronger sense of finality, as she fully transitions into the professional ranks.
The school honored Salak’s contributions in a social media post.
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“As she takes the next exciting step in her career and transitions into the professional ranks, we proudly support her journey and wish her continued success at the highest level of the sport,” the statement read.
In hindsight, the signs had been there for weeks.
Salak fueled speculation with a cryptic Instagram story that simply read "thank you," while developments behind the scenes increasingly pointed toward the Chargers becoming her primary coaching commitment moving forward.
Salak sets foundations
Salak’s departure comes just months after the Lady Tams narrowly missed out on a second straight semifinal appearance.
The result represented a regression from Season 87, when the alumna guided the Morayta-based unit back to the semis and re-established it as a contender.
Still, FEU credited the veteran tactician for helping shape the program through her stay, which sandwiched a one-season campaign under Manolo Refugia.
“Her dedication, passion, and tireless efforts have played a significant role in shaping our program and elevating our standards both on and off the field,” the university said.
A celebrated playmaker during her own decorated career, Salak took over a Lady Tamaraws program searching for stability and gradually helped build a competitive core that challenged the league’s traditional powers.
Salak's growing focus on Akari, however, became even more evident during the recent PVL Rookie Draft.
Although absent from the draft floor, the setter-turned-coach remained heavily involved in the Chargers' decision-making process.
Akari deputy Eddieson Orcullo revealed that Salak monitored the proceedings remotely and was actively involved in their draft strategy. In fact, after two of their primary targets were selected early, it was Salak who made the call not to use their first round pick.
The move underscored just how invested she already was in Akari's long-term plans.
Now, that commitment becomes full-time.
The Chargers are set to begin their new campaign in earnest when the PVL on Tour opens on July 4, with Salak expected to devote her full attention to a franchise hoping to finally break into the league's upper tier.
As the Chargers gear up for a busy second half of the year, a new day subsequently dawns on FEU, which now undergoes a search for the next mentor tasked with getting the Lady Tams over the hump.
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