By: George Torno
At just 26 years old, Jed Cedrick Colonia is redefining what it means to be a rookie coach.
Fresh off his playing career and now at the helm of the Adamson Lady Falcons, Colonia steps into the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Tournament with the poise of a veteran and the hunger of a newcomer, determined to lead his alma mater from the sidelines.
Colonia takes over from Ryan Monteclaro, who steered the Lady Falcons to a third-place finish last year.
He inherits a team anchored by Cheska Apag, Elaine Etang, and Kemi Adeshina — players who formed the core of Adamson’s podium finish last season.
Now in his first coaching role, the former Soaring Falcon is eager to translate his own UAAP experience into a blueprint for success.
(C) UAAP Season 96 Media Team
“I looked at our numbers, last year’s stats, and we were really lacking in shooting. That’s why all our off-season work focused on shooting, so we can compensate for that disadvantage from last year,” Colonia told Tiebreaker Times.
The Lady Falcons are determined to return stronger this season, aiming to build on the bronze finish they secured in UAAP Season 87, led by Etang, Apag, and Adeshina.
Despite being the youngest coach in the league, Colonia embraces the challenge with passion and a deep love for the game.
“The pressure is always there. It’s up to me how I overcome it, especially as a young coach. But I believe in my abilities, and I’m surrounded by people experienced in women’s basketball,” added Colonia, who noted that he will use his learning from Nash Racela in this endeavor.
“I’m not afraid because I know we can overcome it, and with their guidance, we can.”
Colonia’s youth, often viewed as a limitation, becomes an asset in building strong rapport with his players.
With only a small age gap between him and the athletes, he positions himself not just as a coach, but as a mentor.
“Basically, the lessons I learned as team captain are just elevated to a bigger role. The age gap with the players isn’t that big—it’s like being a captain or an older brother to them,” he added.
#WATCH: New head coach Jed Colonia shares how Adamson is gearing up for #UAAPSeason88 🏀🐦
📹 @grgtorno /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/fQuhkERFLu
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) September 16, 2025
