For much of her formative years, Isa Molde has been coached by Jerry Yee. From her high school days at Hope Christian to her recruitment to the University of the Philippines, Molde has had Yee to serve not only as a mentor, but as a stern father figure.
Which is why it was no surprise that Molde was still dismayed two weeks after Yee had officially left his post as head coach of the Lady Maroons. Speaking with Tiebreaker Times after UP defeated TIP in the PVL Collegiate Conference, Molde revealed that she and her teammates simply had to accept Yee’s decision.
“Siyempre, kailangan namin i-accept and respetuhin ‘yung decision niya.
“Pero, nakakalungkot kasi ang tagal na namin magkasama, ang dami na ring pinagdaanan. Tatay na din namin siya,” admitted the UAAP Season 78 Rookie of the Year.
When asked what led to Yee’s resignation, Molde said her former coach was simply tired.
“Sinabi niya pagod na siya. Tapos, sa aming players, gusto na lang namin tanggapin ‘yung desisyon niya na umalis,” lamented the Cebu-native.
“Siguro kung, ganoon talaga, nandiyan naman ‘yung team na paghuhugutan namin ng lakas.”
With UAAP Season 80 looming and the disappointment of last season’s missed run at the Final Four, the Lady Maroons are keeping a determined and positive outlook.
“May ibang coach naman na guma-guide sa amin at mapagtatanungan namin ‘yung mga nowheretogobutUP and ‘yung mga alumni namin.”