The Collegiate Press Corps (CPC) will honor seven of the best coaches at the collegiate level, including mentors in volleyball and women’s basketball for the first time, during its annual Awards Night presented by San Miguel Corporation at Discovery Suites Manila in Ortigas on June 17.
The CPC added five more recipients of the prestigious Coach of the Year (COTY) Awards following UAAP Season 86 and NCAA Season 99, joining the group’s list of staple recognitions headlined by mentors from men’s basketball.
Haydee Ong of University of Santo Tomas will be hailed as the UAAP Women’s Basketball COTY after leading the Growling Tigresses to their first UAAP title in 16 years.
UST ended the seven-peat reign of the National University Lady Bulldogs.
The CPC will also honor the stellar rise of volleyball coaches in both collegiate leagues for the first time, in the grand ceremony backed by Discovery Suites as the official venue partner and Jockey as a minor sponsor.
(C) Nicks Hernandez/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
In the UAAP, NU’s coach Dante Alinsunurin will be named the Men’s Volleyball COTY for winning a dynastic four-peat with the Bulldogs following a sweep of the UST Golden Spikers in the finals.
(C) UAAP Season 86 Media Team
Norman Miguel will take home the UAAP Women’s Volleyball COTY award for bringing the Lady Bulldogs back to the championship after missing out last year to La Salle.
Miguel led NU back to the crown in dominant fashion, sweeping the Golden Tigresses in the process.
The NCAA also showcased coaching excellence with Sammy Acaylar of Perpetual Help winning the NCAA Men’s Volleyball COTY. Acaylar demonstrated his coaching prowess by leading the Altas to an 11-0 sweep, culminating in the NCAA Season 99 title for their fourth straight championship.
Jerry Yee will be the NCAA Women’s Volleyball COTY for guiding the College of St. Benilde to a three-peat, highlighted by a 40-and-counting winning streak.
In the traditional awards, Topex Robinson will be recognized as the UAAP Men’s Basketball COTY after leading La Salle to the Season 86 title, ending a seven-year drought with a victory over University of the Philippines.
Yuri Escueta will be the NCAA Men’s Basketball COTY after guiding San Beda to the Season 99 championship against all odds.
Escueta and the Red Lions achieved the unthinkable by winning the tournament despite being the underdogs as the third seed, particularly against the Mapua Cardinals in the finale.
