Bo Perasol’s first action as the Director of the UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development is to enlist a champion coach and a significant supporter to take charge of the volleyball program.
Oliver Almadro, formerly in charge of the Ateneo Blue Eagles’ men’s and later women’s volleyball teams, has been chosen to lead both the Fighting Maroons’ men’s and women’s teams.
“I’m honored to be given this opportunity. I’m aware that it’ll be hard, but it’s actually easy to trust in the process because of all those who believe in me,” he said.
Almadro will also take on the role of the program’s director while personally selecting yet-to-be-named successors for Shaq Delos Santos (women) and Rald Ricafort (men), starting from UAAP Season 86.
In his new role, he will enjoy the full confidence of Perasol, as well as the unwavering support of Farm Fresh Dairy.
“We believe that Coach O will bring the UP volleyball program to greater heights. He has the experience of building championship teams and he will have a helping hand in the form of our new sponsor for our volleyball program,” said Perasol.
“We give the biggest thanks to Farm Fresh Dairy for joining us in this new era for UP volleyball.”
Similar to Perasol, Almadro comes to Diliman after a tenure at Ateneo, where he led the Blue Eagles (men) to a three-peat before guiding the Blue Eagles (women) to victory in Season 82. He amassed an overall record of 29-21 with the women’s team and 60-10 with the men’s team.
At UP, he faces the formidable task of orchestrating another rebuilding phase for the women’s and men’s teams, both of which last claimed championships in the early 1980s.
Towering presence Nina Ytang will serve as the cornerstone for the women’s team, while dynamic player Louis Gamban will be a key asset for the men’s team.
Simultaneously, Almadro will maintain his role as the head of volleyball operations for the Petro Gazz Angels in the PVL and continue to coach the Letran Lady Knights in the NCAA.
