Far Eastern University has no excuse not to give its all on the court, especially with head coach Raiza Palmera-Dy still hustling as a player in the Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.
A legend in the Lady Tamaraws’ lore during her UAAP days, Palmera-Dy continues to perform at a top level despite her coaching duties with FEU.
The 5-foot-6 point guard has been a key contributor for Discovery-Rizal Perlas in their run to the WMPBL Finals, where they aim to even the best-of-three championship series after dropping Game 1 to New Zealand-Bluefire, 87-98.
Game 2 is set for Sunday, Nov. 16, at 6:00 PM at the Enderun College Gymnasium.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Before focusing on the WMPBL, Palmera-Dy led the Lady Tamaraws to a 64-62 victory over the De La Salle Lady Archers. The win boosted their Final Four hopes in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
With their coach juggling responsibilities while still averaging 11.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 3.9 steals during the WMPBL elimination round, Yvette Villanueva couldn’t help but marvel at Palmera-Dy.
“Siyempre po bilang coach namin si Coach Raiza, ginagawa po namin siyang role model. Siyempre, Raiza Palmera-Dy po yan, kilala po yan sa UAAP at sa WMPBL ngayon,” said Villanueva, who suited up for Gilas Pilipinas in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup.
Palmera-Dy was a two-time UAAP champion with FEU, winning titles in 2008 and 2011. She was also named tournament MVP in her second championship run.
Shane Salvani, who helped FEU beat La Salle to improve to 5-7 for solo fourth, also wants to emulate her coach’s ability to balance everything while excelling at all of them.
“Sa akin gusto kong makuha ‘yung toughness ni coach lalo na mahirap i-balance ‘yung being a mother, player, and coach,” said Salvani.
“Ang dami niyang responsibilities so gusto kong makuha ‘yung kay Coach Rai bilang player, gusto kong maadapt ‘yun.”
