Chasing his 13th championship as head coach of De La Salle University in his 21st appearance in the finals, Ramil de Jesus feels determined to maximize the potential of his current Lady Spikers to help them reclaim the crown they last won in Season 85.
After overcoming the University of Santo Tomas, 25-22, 11-25, 25-21, and 25-21, in their Final Four showdown, La Salle finds itself in familiar territory, advancing to the big stage of the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament.
However, despite this latest achievement, the seasoned coach set the tone for his team by emphasizing that more improvements are necessary if they are to secure the title.
“Medyo happy kasi sa umpisa, slow start eh,” said De Jesus. “Antagal makapag-adjust and eventually nagpaikot kaagad ako ng setter ko. Nakita ko naman nag-work naman and inexpect ko pa na mas makagalaw pa sa susunod na game.
“Madami pa kaming dapat ayusin.”
As the longest-tenured coach in UAAP volleyball, the former F2 Logistics Cargo Movers mentor has guided hundreds of Lady Spikers throughout his career.
To achieve such longevity, one must be able to adapt not only to new tactics and the challenges posed by opponents but also to different generations of student-athletes and their evolving behaviors.
What has remained unchanged, however, is his deep passion for coaching. After earning another finals appearance, De Jesus shows no signs of slowing down, as he continues to dedicate himself to helping each Lady Spiker reach her full potential.
His goal is to ensure that they have not only a memorable La Salle experience but also a bright future in the sport once their UAAP careers come to an end.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Hard work lang yun kasi ito naman yung passion mo as a coach: yung maturuan mo yung mga bata, madala mo sa kung ano at mailabas mo yung talent nila,” he explained.
“Once madala mo sa finals yung mga bata, malaking fulfillment yun para sa coach. Isa yun siguro sa nagmo-motivate sa akin para at least maituro mo sa kanila yung dapat nilang matutunan and then madala mo rin sila sa finals.”
To secure the championship this season, the Lady Spikers must overcome the formidable Lady Bulldogs in the finals.
NU defeated La Salle twice in the elimination round and enters the finals as the top seed, giving them a clear advantage on paper.
However, it is never wise to count out a team coached by De Jesus, especially La Salle.
While he acknowledges NU’s success, having won two championships in the past three seasons, he is already strategizing for another title run.
The first step is going back to practice and addressing the deficiencies he noticed from the sidelines during their match against UST.
“Kilala naman natin yung NU,” said De Jesus. “Talagang since high school magkakasama na yung mga yan. Sobrang lalim ng experience nila sa isa’t isa. Siguro sa amin, talagang paghahandaan namin. Marami pa akong dapat iayos sa team.
“Kanina, medyo happy kasi madami pa akong gustong makita na di ko nakita. Siguro kung ilalabas nila yung ine-expect ko sa kanila and makasabay kami and magkaroon ng chance at yung malaking chance.”
