As the University of Santo Tomas defends its crown in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament, two key players from their Season 86 championship run have transitioned from playing to coaching.
Game three hero Nikki Villasin and Finals MVP Tantoy Ferrer are now part of the Growling Tigresses’ coaching staff under head coach Haydee Ong. Both are eager to help UST achieve back-to-back titles while growing into their new roles.
“I still wanted to be involved with the team as basketball plays a significant role in my life, and I’m still very close with my teammates,” Villasin said. “I wanted to remain part of it and help them approach the next season with the right tools and mindset. I think one of my big roles last year was being a motivator. Now, I’m helping out at practice and serving as a practice player.”
“Hindi ako bayad dito,” shared Ferrer. “Parang voluntary talaga kasi nakikita ko sarili ko siguro in the future maging coach ako. Gusto ko rin madagdagan yung knowledge ko. Pag maging coach ka kasi, parang ang sarap dahil sa passion. Gusto ko mag-share ng mga kaalaman ko.”
Villasin and Ferrer played distinct roles for UST in the past few seasons.
Villasin excelled as a combo guard, while Ferrer dominated inside the paint. Their combined 31 points in Game 3 of the Season 86 Finals helped UST overcome National University, etching their names in Growling Tigresses lore.
Now, they are giving back by sharing their experience and wisdom with their former teammates and a new generation of Tigresses being groomed to continue the program’s success.
“I help my teammates with small things, like breaking down specific plays,” Villasin said. “When they come to me with questions—‘How can I do this better?’—I try to offer ways they can improve or find better movement on the floor.
“I also scrimmage with them, sometimes alongside alumni or a practice squad, to give the girls some competition and sharpen them for upcoming games. The alumni bring that competitive energy, and I think that helps the team the most.”
“Voluntary din ako pumasok sa team nila coach kasi ganun ko ka-love yung team eh,” added Ferrer.
“Hindi ko kayang iwan teammates ko na sila-sila lang na hindi handa. Handa akong tumulong i-share yung knowledge ko lalo na sa mga bigs para makatulong sa kanila.”
Despite their new coaching roles, Villasin and Ferrer maintain the same respect and bond with Coach Haydee Ong that developed during their playing years.
“We still have the same relationship with Coach Haydee,” Villasin said. “I feel like I’m still her player. She’s like my mom, so every time I go to practice, it’s the same routine. I say hello, we have some banter, ask how her day’s been, and then it’s on to whatever she needs us to do—whether it’s playing defense or running situational scenarios with the girls.
“The adjustment is that it’s not as intense as when I was a player, but I’m still used to the cycle of playing under her. Now, standing next to her as a coach, it’s a lot more chill.”
As UST enjoys a two-game winning streak, with victories over University of the East and Ateneo de Manila University, they’re preparing for a crucial matchup against the University of the Philippines this Saturday. The Growling Tigresses eliminated the Fighting Maroons in last season’s Final Four, setting the stage for another exciting contest.
Ferrer, now on the sidelines as a coach, feels proud watching her former teammates execute the game plans.
“As a coach, siyempre natutuwa ako kasi 2-0,” Ferrer said. “Pinaghandaan namin ang UE at Ateneo. Pinakita ng mga teammates ko na yung preparation nagawa nila, especially sa bigs na nagtrabaho talaga. Isa ang Ateneo sa may foreign student-athlete, so it was great to see them perform.”
Though they are now coaches, both Villasin and Ferrer are not closing the door on playing again. This coaching stint allows them to stay involved in basketball, despite the limited opportunities for women in professional leagues.
“I am a skills trainer for girls in Metro Manila. I’ve been running my own basketball program in Pasig and Mandaluyong, focusing on 15U and 19U girls, and I also have an adult group,” Villasin said. “I’ve really been enjoying the coaching life, but if opportunities open up in professional leagues or Gilas, I would 100-percent be open to continuing as a player because I feel like I’m still in my prime.
“I still have a lot to give to this sport, and being part of basketball as a coach helps me stay present, learning, and relatable to the players I coach. I’d love to keep playing if the opportunity arises, but for now, I’m just coaching on the side and allowing things to come my way.”
Ferrer echoed this sentiment, saying, “So far, active pa naman ako sa Gilas. Kung may ibang league na masasalihan sa women’s basketball, for sure nandiyan ako.”
UST may miss them on the floor this season, but their contributions off the court are just as valuable, helping guide the Growling Tigresses as they aim to defend their title.
