WITHOUT suspended head coach Jerry Yee, University of the East has beefed up its coaching staff by bringing in Kurashiki Ablaze deputy coach Shota Sato and former Premier Volleyball League (PVL) best opposite spiker Asaka Tamaru.
Sato has been appointed head consultant, with Tamaru named assistant coach for the Lady Warriors.
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"We're thrilled to welcome head consultant Shota Sato and assistant coach Asaka Tamaru to UE. Witnessing their prowess in the 2023 PVL Invitational Conference has us eager to absorb their knowledge," said UE team manager Jared Lao in a media statement.
"With Coach Jerry temporarily away, they take the reins, and the players are excited. As the saying goes, 'It ain't over 'till it's over,' and under their leadership, we're ready for the journey ahead."
Sato and Tamaru, who were part of the Ablaze's 2023 PVL Invitational Conference champion side that remains the last team to hand reigning titlists Creamline Cool Smashers a league defeat, returned to the Philippines for the first time since their PVL guest stint on Thursday.
Moreover, Ablaze head coach Hideo Suzuki is also in the country since his appointment as team consultant for Strong Group Athletics-backed PVL side Farm Fresh Foxies back in December.
In two days’ time, the Japanese pair will help UE interim head coach Obet Vital call the shots when the 1-4 (win-loss) Lady Warriors face National University in its penultimate first round match.
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