Goldwin Monteverde has been considered one of the best head coaches in the high school ranks.
But after winning countless championships in the then-Tiong Lian league, the UAAP, and numerous high school tournaments, many asked when will the son of ‘Mother Lily’ get to prove himself in collegiate basketball?
Well, after almost three decades of wait, Monteverde gets his chance to shine in the seniors’ division. He has been named as the head coach of University of the Philippines’ men’s basketball team.
“I am very grateful and deeply honored for my recent appointment as the new UPMBT head coach,” read Monteverde’s statement.
“It has been my dream to coach at the college level after years of success at the juniors level.”
Monteverde’s coaching journey began in the early 90s when he coached his alma mater St. Stephen. He would lead the school to prominence in the Tiong Lian league, then dominated by Xavier School.
Years later, he rekindled the same magic in Chiang Kai Shek.
While in Chiang Kai Shek, Monteverde also had the task of rebuilding Adamson High School. In 2017 however, his team was embroiled in controversy regarding the eligibility of Encho Serrano. The Baby Falcons would end up forfeiting all their games while Monteverde silently stepped aside.
It did not take long for Monteverde to return to the UAAP as he was immediately tapped by National University-Nazareth School. And in his three-year stay there, the Bullpups collected gold in every tournament they played in — including the prestigious ASEAN University Games and the National Basketball Training Center.
During that time however, many teams tried to get Monteverde as part of their collegiate team. After all, Monteverde was not just a great tactician but also a great recruiter as well.
In 2018, University of the East tried to get him but he ultimately chose to remain in NU. Two years later, he was promoted to be the Bulldogs’ head coach but a falling out ended up with him leaving the school altogether.
“Let me assure UP officials and the community that I accept the big responsibility mindful of the great expectations from the community and I commit to working even harder to achieve our common dreams,” said Monteverde.
Some though may see Monteverde as an “outsider” since he did not graduate from UP. In fact, he is the first head coach of the Fighting Maroons that is not from the school since Rensy Bajar.
But for Monteverde, his passion for the school has grown over the years since his children are both products of UP.
“I am proud to say that both my kids are both from UP, with one having recently graduated. I now share the Maroon pride and I hope to add my contribution to UP’s tradition of honor and excellence.”
