Once a pivotal figure in Adamson University’s volleyball program — both as a setter and later as a coach — National University head coach Sherwin Meneses found himself at a crossroads after facing his alma mater for the first time in his return to the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament.
Meneses returned to UAAP coaching with the Lady Bulldogs after previously serving as Adamson’s head coach from 2012 to 2016 and as an assistant coach with the Ateneo Blue Eagles in Season 78.
He admitted that he occasionally wonders about the countless “what ifs” had he stayed with the Lady Falcons.
Despite the whirlwind of emotions, the 42-year-old tactician still feels pride seeing the Lady Falcons’ growth and resilience as they strive to return to the upper ranks of the competitive UAAP women’s volleyball field.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Adamson’s journey has been anything but smooth in recent seasons. After clinching bronze in Season 85, the Lady Falcons endured a turbulent Season 86, finishing with a 3-11 record following the departure of key recruits.
The trend continued this season as notable players like Lucille Almonte, Ishie Lalongisip, Angge Alcantara, and Lorene Toring exited the program.
Although Adamson showed promise early in Season 87 with a 2-1 start, their youthful lineup has since struggled, falling to a 2-4 record after three consecutive losses.
“Actually, medyo matagal na kasi yung time nung nahandle ko yung Adamson pero syempre sa alma mater, talagang masaya rin ako kasi yung alma mater ko kalaban ko. Merong time na medyo napapaisip ka lang pero ganon talaga, hindi siguro yung [right] time ko before sa Adamson,” Meneses said after guiding NU to a straight-set win over Adamson, 25-21, 25-23, 25-18, on Wednesday afternoon at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“Pero yung mga players talagang sobrang highly-recruited ngayon. Hopefully, maging successful yung batch nila at career nila sa Adamson.”
Despite recent struggles, the Lady Falcons are steadily rebuilding through a seamless transition from their successful high school program, the Baby Lady Falcons.
This growth is underscored by the commitment of standout Baby Lady Falcons Shaina Nitura, MG Del Moral, and Fhei Sagaysay — all of whom opted to stay with Adamson for their collegiate careers.
Nitura has been exceptional in her rookie season, emerging as the league’s second-leading scorer, while Sagaysay has impressed as the UAAP’s fourth-best setter.
Del Moral, meanwhile, is set to make her collegiate debut for Adamson in Season 88.
“Masaya ako para sa kanila kasi siyempre, may mga talagang blue chips na dumarating na players sa Adamson. Kasi number one, pinaka-mahirap talaga is mag-recruit talaga. Hopefully, yung mga young players nila talagang mag-improve pa lalo,” Meneses shared.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
At the heart of Adamson’s renewed push is Soaring Falcon alumnus JP Yude, who appears to be following a path similar to Meneses in carving out a coaching career.
After serving as Meneses’ assistant with Creamline in the PVL Open Conference back in 2021, Yude has found success as the Baby Lady Falcons’ head coach.
He steered them to a runner-up finish in Season 85 before claiming the championship in Season 86.
“Magtiyaga lang talaga siya diyan sa Adamson and siyempre, mag-aral din talaga kung paano i-handle yung career na kanyang pinasok kasi siyempre matiyaga talaga yan si JP and mabait,” he expressed.
“Hopefully, maging successful yung pag-coach niya sa Adamson.”
