Three decades of unparalleled success in the UAAP have not dulled Ramil de Jesus’ drive, as the legendary coach remains committed to extending his already illustrious legacy with De La Salle University.
Fresh off capturing his — and the Lady Spikers’ — 13th championship after sweeping the NU Lady Bulldogs in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Finals to complete a perfect 16-0 campaign, De Jesus admitted that stepping away has crossed his mind.
Still, he emphasized that he will continue coaching as long as he is able.
“Hindi naman permanente ’tong posisyon ko eh. Pinag-iisipan ko na rin ’yon, pero hangga’t pinagkakaloob sa taas, tanggapin lang natin kung kaya pa. Kung di naman kaya, edi magpahinga na,” said De Jesus on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“Hopefully, makabalik kung pagkakaloob sa taas na malakas tayo,” he added when asked about a possible return in Season 89.
Across 29 years of mentoring the Lady Spikers, De Jesus has shaped countless players into stars, icons, and legends of Philippine volleyball.
His commitment, however, has often gone beyond wins and losses.
Even during UAAP Season 84, when he was dealing with illness, De Jesus was still frequently seen on the sidelines coaching La Salle. He even made time to visit his former Lady Spikers players competing in the PVL, underscoring his unwavering dedication to his players.
He also credits this relentless work ethic and hands-on approach to his two mentors, Emil Lontoc and the late, legendary Kid Santos, who helped shape his coaching philosophy and deep sense of responsibility to his players.
For him, coaching has never been about recognition. Instead, it is driven by his continued desire to make an impact — not only on his players but on the sport as a whole.
“Actually, ano, kahit siguro may sakit ako, parang pag nakita ko yung bata na may potential, hindi ako puwedeng hindi ko siya pakialaman or hindi ko siya maturuan,” said De Jesus, explaining his coaching mindset.
“Parang pag nakita ko na, kahit medyo mabigat ang pakiramdam ko sa training, pag nakita ko yung bata na medyo mali yung ginagawa, talagang pupuntahan ko yun, papakialaman ko yun kahit na… Hindi ko mapalampas na hindi ko siya matulungan man lang or mabigyan ng kahit anong tip,” he continued.
“Tingin ko yun ang tinatawag na passion eh. Ayun ako eh.”
In 29 years and 26 seasons at the helm of La Salle, De Jesus has collected 13 championships, nine runner-up finishes, and two bronze medals, missing the podium only twice.
With numbers that already place him among the greatest coaches in Philippine volleyball history, De Jesus has nothing left to prove.
Still, he insists his journey is far from over — continuing for his players, for La Salle, and for Philippine volleyball.
