San Sebastian College-Recoletos finally earned its first win in the NCAA Season 98 Women’s Volleyball Tournament last Saturday.
The Lady Stags defeated Jose Rizal University, 17-25, 28-26, 25-14, 16-25, 9-15, to end their six-game losing streak.
However, for San Sebastian head coach Roger Gorayeb, he wishes they had accomplished it earlier.
“Sabi ko nga sa kanila, ‘We should have done this a long time ago.’ Hindi yung ganito na lang na parang to maintain our pride. Kasi biruin mo 0-6? E in 36 years na pag-coach hindi ko naranasan yan,” said the legendary coach.
It was indeed an underwhelming season for the Lady Stags as they finished third last season with a 6-3 record. Still, the Lady Stags’ head tactician was glad that they finally escaped the “23 curse.” “Lamang na nga kami lagi tapos tumitigil kami sa 23. Ewan ko kung anong sumpa meron yang 23 na yan,” he said.
“Sabi ko nga sa players ko ‘Nagretire na si Jordan, wag na natin pasikatin pa.’ Ewan ko kung anong meron sa 23 na yan bat lagi tayong tumitigil dyan,” he quipped.
The former Lady Eagles head coach also talked about his witty coaching style that always goes viral on social media. According to him, he has been coaching the same way even before because he wants to be precise while giving his players a positive vibe.
“Kasi kung nastre-stress na sila, papatawanin mo ng bahagya. Kasi di naman nakikita yung tawa nila, laging naka focus sakin. E ang problema hindi naman ako babyface,” he said.
“Ganyan ako, matagal na. Panahon ko pa sa Ateneo ganyan na ko. Ang dami ko nang sinabi. Ano lang naman yan, pinapasimple ko lang ang isang bagay at pinapatawa ko pa sila,” he continued.
He even shared one of his legendary quotes while giving its meaning,
“Meron pa ko sa player ko sa Ateneo dati [sabi ko] ‘Di mo naabutan yung bola? Mag-tricycle ka’,” he quipped.
“Siyempre matatawa ka, pero pag inisip mo yung essence, [ibig sabihin] bilisan mo tumakbo.”
Indeed, Gorayeb’s coaching style continues to win the hearts of this generation’s volleyball fans.
