“Sino ba ako?”
Those were the first words Karl Dimaculangan uttered after Monolith, the management group behind National University’s women’s volleyball team, offered him the Lady Bulldogs head coaching job left by Normal Miguel prior to the start of the UAAP Season 84 women’s volleyball tournament.
“Unang una, ‘di ko in-expect to handle itong National University,” Dimaculangan admitted moments after NU ended its 65-year title drought against De La Salle University, Tuesday night.
Prior to his transfer to Jhocson, Dimaculangan first handled the University of the East in Season 82 and steered the team to a 3-11 record. Then, in his second season, the Lady Warriors started Season 82 with a 0-2 slate before the tournament was completely scrapped due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
So, in short, it was not a good résumé.
On the other hand, there were also a lot of free agent coaches in the market.
There were the likes of Junior Bullpups head coach Edgar Barroga, former national team head coach Shaq Delos Santos, and many more still in the market.
“Sino ba ako,” he once again asked.
Still, despite his previous record, Monolith and the university handed him the keys to the young Lady Bulldogs squad – which features the brightest prospects from National University-Nazareth School.
Fast forward to today, he is now the coach that lifted the school’s 65-year curse in the event. Indeed, it was the perfect redemption arc for Dimaculangan, who went through a rough time in the UAAP’s cellar in his first two years of coaching.
“Kasi that time na sa UE lang naman ako, before kasi nun parang alam ko mas maraming coaches na veteran coaches na pu-pwede mag handle sa kanila, pero parang they chose na ako ‘yung mag-handle, so parang destiny siguro,” shared the brother of PLDT ace Rhea Dimaculangan.
“Kaya ‘yung journey kasi going dito sa championship na ‘to is more emotional.“
Dimaculangan, who also scored a season sweep back in his playing days with University of Sto. Tomas, led NU to an immaculate 16-0 sweep for its first championship in 65 years and third overall in the event.
And all of this would not have been possible without the trust of NU’s brass. And for that, he’s forever grateful.
“Sobrang saya, kasi unang-una yung goal kasi namin, one game at a time lang kami. Focus lang kami every game, and then hanggang sa di namin namalayan matatapos na ‘yung first round, tapos ‘yung second round, and then finals game one, and then ito,” said Dimaculangan.
“Championship na sobrang fulfilling nga, parang iniisip lang kasi namin, nag tiyaga lang kami ng mag tiyaga, and then parang the result will follow na lang.”
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