Once a key figure for National University during his collegiate days, Vince Mangulabnan now finds himself leading a former rival — Ateneo de Manila University — in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament.
Mangulabnan, who was promoted to head coach following Timmy Sto. Tomas’ departure, admitted he never imagined himself at the helm of the Blue Eagles — a team he faced in the UAAP Finals three times during his playing career.
“Siyempre, sobrang saya kasi hindi ko na-imagine dati na kung sino ‘yung rival at lagi kong nakakalaban dati, doon pala ako magco-coach,” said the two-time UAAP champion.
On Sunday afternoon, Mangulabnan made his coaching debut for Ateneo, guiding the team to a four-set victory over Adamson University, 25-17, 25-19, 22-25, 25-23, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Mangulabnan, who brought in his former NU teammate Peter Torres as an assistant coach, felt a wave of nostalgia as he stood on the sidelines — now leading a team he once battled against on the same stage.
Adding to the full-circle moment, his debut came against the Soaring Falcons, the same team he faced on opening day in his final two seasons with the Bulldogs in Seasons 77 and 78.
“Masaya kasi nung playing years ko ata, kami ni Coach Peter (Torres), laging sila ‘yung first game namin eh. Masaya ako kasi imagine ‘yung first ano namin ni Coach Peter (as coaches) dito sa UAAP, sila ulit,” shared the two-time UAAP Best Setter.
“Nag-usap nga kami ni Coach Peter na ‘Naalala mo sila lagi ‘yung first game natin? Ngayon first game ulit natin, pero nakaupo na tayo.’ Masaya, sobrang saya namin ni Coach Peter kasi sila binigyan nila kami ng panalo na alam naming ginagawa rin namin dati.”
Having been mentored by championship coaches Oliver Almadro and Dante Alinsunurin during his time at NU, Mangulabnan now aims to instill those lessons — along with the experience he has gained throughout his career — as he works to steer Ateneo back to the Final Four for the first time since 2019.
“I just want to showcase ‘yung (tinuro) sa akin ng naging coaches ko at ng NU at para ma-share ko sa iba. Siyempre, marami rin akong natutunan sa loob ng Ateneo na minix ko sa mga past experiences ko na ituturo ko ngayon sa mga players ko.”
