AMIDST THE festive holiday period in Manila, the Ateneo Lady Eagles found themselves training in places as far as Japan and Thailand in preparation for the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Volleyball tournament. Aside from their overseas training and scheduled friendlies, changes in the team’s management contributed to the their eventful semestral break on and off the court.

Raising the bar

For the last seven out of nine years, the women’s volleyball team team has been traveling to Thailand in order to prepare themselves for the upcoming UAAP season. However, this year, the team found themselves travelling up north to Japan for an additional twelve-day training camp designed by Volleyball Program Head Sherwin Malonzo and sponsored by alumni Choi Cojuangco, Toby Gan, and Elmore de Leon. According to Malonzo, the idea of overseas training first came from former team manager Tony Boy Liao. “He [Liao] suggested that for more experience, the team should go to Thailand. Since he has contacts there, he was able to organize a training camp for the team,” said Malonzo.

In their training sessions in Thailand, the Lady Eagles adopted a routine that utilized the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball’s Volleyball Development Center in Thailand. Additionally, the Lady Eagles were given the opportunity to test themselves against local clubs and collegiate teams in the afternoon following their morning training sessions.

Upon reaching Japan, the players found themselves caught off-guard by the harsh winter season in their first trip to the region. However, Team Captain Jia Morado largely credits both the weather and the level of competition for their improved skills. “The cold weather in Japan was one way to build resistance and stamina,” she said. “Additionally, we went up against different clubs and university teams everyday whose level of play is much stronger and faster than teams here [in the Philippines].”

After the conclusion of the two overseas training camps, Sherwin Malonzo noticed a change in the team’s overall physical development, particularly in terms of speed and power. “One thing I noticed is that they got faster and hit stronger after both trips. The temperature there’s really cold, so when they pumped the balls in their heated bedrooms and arrived at the gym, the balls got soft because of the cold weather, so they had to inflate it again,” Malonzo explained. “After their first day, their hands hurt after hitting the freshly inflated balls. So eventually, they adjusted to hitting the balls and returned to the Philippines with a much stronger hitting power.”

Aside from developing physically, the team also grew in terms of camaraderie according to Jia Morado. “The team went through fun, new, and challenging experiences together. Importantly, we also ended up getting closer to one another,” said Morado.

Behind the scenes 

Amidst the preparations they took upon, controversy arose in the media regarding the uncertainty of Team Manager Tony Boy Liao’s future in the Ateneo Volleyball Program. Moreover, Coach Parley Tupaz’s resignation from the team also spurred concern from the Ateneo faithful.

This news was no suprise to Assistant Director of the University Athletics Office, Erika Dy, who noted that Liao’s function in the team was more directional than logistical. Nevertheless, Liao remains as the manager of the team, tasked to guide the coaches, spearhead recruitment, and serve as the bridge between the university and the team.

As for the resignation of Coach Parley Tupaz, who coached the team during their run in the UAAP Season 79 Beach Volleyball tourney, Director of the University Athletics Office Emmanuel Fernandez and Coach Sherwin decided to restructure the coaching staff due to Tupaz’ obligations in the Shakey’s V-League. Eventually, the long-time lady spikers coach officially resigned from his post as a coach of the Lady Eagles. Despite this loss, however, Malonzo remains confident with his replacement in Coach Sherwin Meneses.

However, Parley’s departure came at a time when the Lady Eagles were hit with another gutting loss: the passing of Arthur Lim, liaison of the Rebisco Group and the volleyball teams. More than just the Rebisco Group’s representative, Lim made his presence felt in the team. “He was always behind the scenes,” Morado said. “Sir Arthur treated everyone as his own children and he has done so much for the team.”

With the beginning of the UAAP Volleyball Tournament just around the corner, the Lady Eagles are more than equipped to regain the UAAP title after their trips to Japan and Thailand and the skills they honed along the way. However, with Arthur Lim’s passing, Season 79 for the Lady Eagles is no ordinary playing year. “We know he’ll always be watching over us and he’s one person we will dedicate this season to,” said Morado.