Shaq delos Santos had twice the reason to celebrate on Saturday night.
He started his day by leading the University of Santo Tomas to a commanding 25-17, 25-18, 25-20 sweep of fellow contender Far Eastern University — the Golden Tigresses’ second straight win — in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
From there, delos Santos raced from Pasay to San Juan to take the helm of Cignal, guiding them to a 25-22, 25-21, 25-20 victory over Capital1. Moreover, the triumph secured the Super Spikers’ spot in the qualifying round of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
“Sobrang special ng day na ‘to. Ngayong Saturday, hindi ko alam kung ano pwedeng mangyayari,” said delos Santos, who arrived at the Filoil Centre early in the opening set.
Delos Santos is just one of many coaches in Philippine volleyball who juggle multiple responsibilities. When asked how he manages such a demanding schedule, he credited the dedication and commitment of his coaching staff and players, both with the Super Spikers and the Golden Tigresses, for making it possible.
“Paano ba? Siguro ‘yung commitment ng bawat isa, coaches and players. Also, the management rin, na alam namin na laging nandiyan. Kailangan talaga na mas ma-improve at mas pagbutihan pa namin,” he said.
Cignal stars Dawn Catindig and Vanie Gandler praised delos Santos for his tireless work and guidance. Both of them noted how his dedication keeps the team focused and motivated throughout the conference.
For their part, Catindig and Gandler said they try to make delos Santos’ job easier by showing initiative on both ends of the court and stepping up whenever the team needs them.
“Kaya lagi niya kaming pinu-push. So yun, masarap sa feeling pag pinagkakatiwalaan ka ng coach. And yun, binibigay namin yung best namin kasi alam ni coach kung ano yung potential ng team,” said Catindig.
“We see the dedication of our coaches na they have to go to our practice. They’re never late. They’re always there. Then they have to go to UST. So, we also do our best to try to help him. Calm him in practice para happy lang si coach,” added Gandler.
Delos Santos admitted that coaching two teams is no easy feat, but said he wouldn’t trade it for anything. Instead, he embraces the grueling schedule as part of doing what he loves most — coaching volleyball.
“Hindi talaga siya madali, especially UAAP and PVL. Gusto ko ‘yung ginagawa ko, love na love ko ‘yung volleyball,” the former national team head coach shared.
“Happy ako na mayroon akong dalawang team na ganoon. At sa management talaga na tinutulungan ka talaga sa gusto mong mangyari.”
#WATCH: SHAQ 2-0 🏐
Shaq Delos Santos is grateful for his very special Saturday as both UST and Cignal won their big games#ReadMore 🐯 👉 https://t.co/NB0m8Cjvj8#ReadMore 📡 👉 https://t.co/Wis5MBlwsS
📹 @jonashdcd /Tiebreaker Times #UAAPSeason88 #PVL2026 pic.twitter.com/d4diOQ6SBE
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) March 14, 2026
