Ateneo de Manila University head coach Sergio Veloso knows the task before him is no ordinary challenge.
Leading the Blue Eagles into the post-Lyann de Guzman and AC Miner era, the Brazilian tactician is steering a youthful squad still learning to grasp the demands of his intricate system — a process that has tested patience and resolve.
With De Guzman (NXLED) and Miner (ZUS Coffee) now plying their trade in the Premier Volleyball League — and key hitters Zel Tsunashima, Jlo Delos Santos, and Sobe Buena sidelined by injuries — Ateneo’s young roster struggled to find its rhythm at the start of the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge.
In just three weeks, the Blue Eagles absorbed three straight defeats in the eight-team tilt organized by Sports Vision, bowing to NCAA powers College of Saint Benilde, Mapua University, and Perpetual Help.
Their woes deepened outside the V-League when they squandered a two-set lead and fell to reigning CESAFI champion University of San Carlos in the Shakey’s Super League National Invitationals Cebu leg last August 23.
“You have a lot of things inside the system — like cover, transition, defense position. Some players don’t know this because in high school, there’s no need to play in these situations. In high school, if you don’t make mistakes, have a good service, and you’re smart, you can win. But in college, it’s not enough,” Veloso explained.
“You need to play all the time.”
(C) V-League Images
Determined to speed up the learning curve, Veloso and his staff have recalibrated their approach to develop promising talents such as Jihan Chuatico, Dona de Leon, Ana Hermosura, Gena Hora, and Alex Montoro — most of whom came from Bacolod Tay Tung High School’s vaunted grassroots program.
The payoff came on Wednesday morning, when Ateneo finally broke through in the V-League with a four-set triumph over Arellano University at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila.
“They need to know how to play these situations. And today, most of the players played smart and we took a good victory. This, for me, is the most important — because a lot of players played and bought into the system we’re building,” Veloso said.
But for Ateneo, one win is just the beginning. Veloso, known for his constant rotation of players, stressed that consistency in both training and games will determine who earns a place in the Blue Eagles’ redemption campaign for UAAP Season 88.
“It’s our rule in Ateneo: show me in practice and confirm in the match. If you don’t confirm in the match, you give an opportunity to the other player,” Veloso noted.
He admitted the journey will not be perfect, but underscored the value of effort and growth: “Sometimes you try to do it and it’s a mistake. We are not perfect people or players. But the important thing is you try.
“And now, we see a lot of players happy because they played today with the right mindset.”
