It did not take long for former National University head coach Norman Miguel to land his next job.
Chery Tiggo has announced Miguel’s appointment as head coach for the upcoming 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League season, following his successful tenure with the Lady Bulldogs.
Most recently, he led NU to the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball championship.
Miguel replaces Kungfu Reyes, who will now transition into an assistant coach role.
Reflecting on his new role, Miguel shared his enthusiasm for the challenge.
“Actually, naka-focus ako sa isang work ko, connected pa rin siya sa volleyball, and then one time, tinawagan ako ni Coach Aaron (Velez). Why not give it a try na this time, more challenging kasi pro league ‘to, ‘di ba?” Miguel explained.
“For me, it’s about time na ma-test ko ‘yung skills ko, kung saan tayo aabot sa ganitong level. Honored naman ako na tinawagan ako ng Chery and happy naman ako na this time, sa professional tournament, head coach naman ako kasi before, nasa coaching staff lang ako.”
Reyes, who also serves as the head coach for University of Santo Tomas, initially took the reins at Chery Tiggo earlier this year.
However, he expressed his full support for Miguel, highlighting the experience and leadership the former NU coach brings to the team.
(C) PVL Images
“First of all, wine-welcome natin si Coach Norman. As a champion tactician ng National University, ‘yung experience niya na dadalhin sa team, malaking bagay,” said Reyes, whose UST Tigresses faced Miguel’s Lady Bulldogs in the UAAP Finals.
“Luckily, nakuha natin si coach Norman na kayang magbigay ng full time and attention para sa team, so malaking bagay ‘yun para sa upcoming All-Filipino Conference. Goal ko naman this time is maging assistant coach niya.”
Miguel acknowledged the familiarity between himself and Reyes, noting their past collaborations.
“In terms of ‘yung relationship, hindi na ibang tao sa’kin sila Coach Kungfu. In the past, nagkasama na kami niyan sa Amihan and Bagwis national teams, and even doon sa mga coaching stints ko dati, nagkasama na rin kami sa university, sa UST,” Miguel said.
He emphasized the importance of establishing strong connections with both the coaching staff and the players to ensure a smooth transition and success for the team.
“Gaya nung sinabi ko sa kanila kanina, I’m looking forward na magkaroon ng magandang relationship muna kasi for me, ‘yun ang pinaka-importante,” he added.
“You have your connections with your players and coaching staff, and from there, we’ll see kung ano ‘yung mga adjustments, ano ‘yung mga systems na pwedeng idagdag sa system ni Coach Kungfu.”
Chery Tiggo finished in fifth place during the 2024 Reinforced Conference, and the team is hopeful that under Miguel’s guidance, they can aim higher in the upcoming season.
Team manager Aaron Velez, who led Chery Tiggo to the 2021 Open Conference championship, expressed his optimism about the future.
“We at Chery are in a constant search of finding ways to improve and fortify our volleyball team in line with achieving something that we would love to offer to our families, supporters, and sports enthusiasts,” Velez said.
“Coach Norman is a champion tactician, and with the assistance of Coach Kungfu, the help of our reputable coaches, and the passion of our determined players, we are gearing up and refueling towards attaining our goal.”
