SHERWIN Meneses has long been under public scrutiny since the day he inherited multi-titled Thai coach Tai Bundit’s Creamline Cool Smashers three years ago.
READ: Sherwin wants to have RDJ's rub when it comes to recruitment
Seven PVL titles and a Grand Slam later, he was handed the reins of another powerhouse team in the college ranks in National University which he'd lead to the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball championship to mark the school's first successful title defense in over eight decades.
Meneses had the likes of Alyssa Valdez, Jema Galanza and Tots Carlos with the Cool Smashers, along with a collegiate star trio in Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon and Vange Alinsug with the Lady Bulldogs.
Handling a plethora of stars might seem like a shortcut to success, but Meneses never saw it that way.
For the PVL’s winningest coach, it’s simply a matter of performing his duties to the best of his abilities in his dual coaching roles in the college ranks and in the pros.
And if others have anything to say about his positions and privileges, then it’s the least of Meneses’ concerns.
“Wala naman [sa’kin ‘yung mga sinasabi ng tao]. Sa’kin naman, every training, every game, ‘yun naman talaga ‘yung trabaho namin [na mag-coach]. Nandito lang naman kami para mag-guide sa mga players,” Meneses said.
“Wala naman sa’min kung anong masabi nila basta ‘pag binigyan ako ng trabaho, ‘yun lang naman ‘yung [mahalaga] sa every day na mapuntahan natin yung team na hinahawakan natin.
“‘Yun lang naman ‘yung pinaka-importante. Bahala na sila sa buhay nila."
Adapt and conquer
His long-term goal as National U coach? “Magkaroon ng mga kasunod [na championships] aside sa pro."
But in order to win more of those titles just as he’s done consistently in the pros, there’s another game he has to win with the Lady Bulldogs:
The ever-so tricky college recruitment game.
“Ibang-iba na ‘yung mga players ngayon. Recruitment pa lang, talagang kailangan ka na mag-focus. Yun yung labanan ngayon eh,” Meneses said.
“Hopefully, ngayong may mga player ang NU [na papasok pa next season], magtuloy p’a yung success sa mga susunod na taon.
“Before kasi, talagang napakahirap lalo na kapag school ang pinag-uusapan. Sobrang iba na ngayon so let's see kung ano ‘yung mga mangyayari pa sa mga susunod na mga taon."
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