There isn’t much that fazes Ramil De Jesus. After all, he’s won a title in every league he’s coached in 21 years.
But 2019 presents a unique challenge.
With the calendar shift in both the UAAP and FIVB, the UAAP Season 81 Women’s Volleyball tournament and the 2019 Philippine Superliga Grand Prix are both scheduled from February to May. In both leagues, De Jesus is tasked to lead contenders.
“Ang hirap kasi iba ‘yung stress mo doon sa UAAP. Tapos pagdating dito (PSL), alam mo na hindi kumpleto ‘yung team mo, so mabigat para sa akin,” admitted the 11-time UAAP champion coach De Jesus.
De Jesus’ De La Salle University Lady Spikers are seeking a fourth-straight title with a new-look team. Meanwhile, his F2 Logistics are seeking redemption after two silver medal finishes last season.
La Salle are incorporating rookies and former bench players into the starting six. On the other hand, the Cargo Movers are dealing with injuries to key players Cha Cruz-Behag and Kianna Dy.
But De Jesus isn’t one to back down from challenges. He is relying on his assistant coaches Noel Orcullo and Benson Bocboc to help him get through the next few months.
“Talagang alam mong marami kang kailangan ayusin doon sa kabilang team. Tapos dito naman, alam mo din na marami kang aayusin,” he shared.
“So, thankful ako sa mga assistant coaches ko na kapag may problema sa ibang bagay, naaayos nila.”
