NEWLY appointed University of the Philippines volleyball program director Oliver Almadro will be the head coach himself for the women's team come UAAP Season 86.
The former Ateneo champion coach eagerly embraced his dual roles for the Fighting Maroons in pursuit of 're-energizing' both sporting programs.
READ: Ytang, Celis, Encarnacion resist PVL offers to stay with rebuilding UP program
"I'm eager to take on this challenge of re-energizing the UP Fight in volleyball. There will be challenges, of course, but this is a blessing for me and hopefully, with the all-out support of the UP community and the guidance of the Lord, kakayanin nating mag-compete," said Almadro.
In nearly a decade with various Blue Eagles volleyball sides, Almadro racked up five gold, two silver, and two bronze medals in men's and women's indoor volleyball and beach volleyball.
His core of leaders for the women's team will be comprised of skipper Abi Goc and the returning trio of reigning 2nd best middle blocker Niña Ytang, Jewel Encarnacion, and Nica Celis, with former UP volleyball standouts Nicole Tiamzon and Jarod Hubalde also joining Almadro's coaching staff.
Tasked to lead the men's side is Sergio 'Vip' Isada — a former rally racing champion who also coached both UP volleyball teams in the early 2010s.
Isada's experience and familiarity with the UP program primarily prompted Almadro to secure his services in a bid to give new life to the squad led by the likes of captain Carlo Cabatingan, Louis Gamban, and Gelo Lagando and after a dismal 1-13 (win-loss) card in Season 85.
"Ang malinaw naman sa gusto nating mangyari is we want to compete and we want to win. Pero 'di natin mamadaliin. We will go through the process, kaya rin natin pinabalik as coaches yung mga may alam talaga sa UP Fight in volleyball," Almadro said.
Both Almadro and Isada have been entrusted by UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development Director Bo Perasol and the squads' new backers in the Frank Lao-led Strong Group to end a near-four decade title drought for the UP volleyball programs.
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