Alas Pilipinas Women head coach Taka Minowa believes the national team’s silver-medal finish in the 2026 SEA V Cup was the product of a much bigger effort than just the players and coaches who were part of the campaign.
In a message posted on Facebook following the tournament, Minowa credited the countless players, coaches, and clubs that have helped Philippine volleyball become more competitive through the years.
“I believe this moment is not only about the players who are with us in the national team pool,” Minowa said after his debut stint with the national team.
“It is the result of the hard work of so many players, coaches, and clubs who have continued to develop and make Philippine volleyball more competitive over the years.”
Minowa, who previously handled Nxled and Akari in the Premier Volleyball League, was appointed as Alas Pilipinas head coach last June as the national team began preparations for the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, later this year.
He pointed to the different levels of the sport—from grassroots programs and schools to collegiate competitions, local clubs, and professional teams—as crucial to the national team’s progress.
“From grassroots to school, collegiate, local clubs, and professional teams, every player and every coach has contributed something to Philippine volleyball,” said Minowa.
The Japanese coach also emphasized that the current generation of Alas Pilipinas players is standing on a foundation built by those who came before them, while recognizing the contributions of players who remain part of the national team pool even if they did not see action in the SEA V Cup.
“The players who are representing the country today are standing on the foundation that so many people have built before them,” Minowa said.
“And even the players who are currently in the pool but may not be on the court today have also worked hard and contributed to this journey.”
Alas Women finished as runners-up in the second leg of the SEA V Cup after taking down Indonesia, 25-13, 23-25, 25-19, 33-31, in the virtual battle for silver last Sunday at Chiang Mai Stadium.
“I hope everyone can be proud of the players and coaches who gave their time, effort, and heart to this team,” Minowa said.
“This achievement is the result of everyone’s hard work, and I’m very grateful to be part of this journey with all of you.”
