Whispers sprouted around the volleyball community when Francis Vicente was named the Women’s National Team head coach.
Pundits constantly bring up Vicente’s collegiate coaching track record — first coaching the National University Lady Bulldogs in Season 75 before taking over the University of the East Lady Warriors in Season 77. With UE, Vicente has only accumulated two wins.
Vicente, however, ignored these criticisms. Bringing up UE’s lowly program from the bottom is Vicente’s prime mission and biggest challenge.
“China-challenge ko sarili ko. Ganoon ako mag-isip. I always pressure myself to become better doon sa trabaho ko.
“Confident ako na ‘yung trabaho ko magkakaroon ng resulta. Kaya lang mahirap din kasi ang eskuwelahan na pinili kong tanggapin, ‘yung eskiwelahan na nasa bottom line,” Vicente told Tiebreaker Times.
While he was a catalyst to NU’s quick rise, Vicente explained that UE’s situation is a lot different.
“Parang noong hinawakan ko ‘yung NU. They were also on the bottom line, but they had a sponsor. Dito sa UE, we’re earning our way.
“Ang sabi ko nga in five years, magiging competitive na itong UE. Kahit sinong coach pa ang humawak diyan, magiging masaya ang humawak sa kanila,” he continued.
Besides, Vicente is confident with his other credentials.
Known most for his time with the University of Santo Tomas Junior Tigresses, where he coached eventual stars Alyssa Valdez and Kim Fajardo — to name a few — Vicente is also proud of his playoff experience in local club league Philippine Superliga.
“May PSL ako, nanalo naman ako. It’s not my fault. I’m not the one playing inside. I have taught everything na nasa knowledge ko. Hindi ko naman sila pinabayaan. Kahit ‘yung morale nila, sinasakop ko pa rin.
“So, ang tanong ko, bigyan mo ako ng pondo o ng player na tatlo o apat na malakas, na uupo na lang ako at bibigyan na lang sila ng kaunting instruction, baka ilang taon ko pa lang panalo na,” Vicente added.
And he knows that his system can eventually turn any team into contenders.
