Far Eastern University head coach Manolo Refugia is grateful to have former Lady Tamaraws coach Tina Salak by her side as he navigates through his first-ever coaching stint in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball.
Refugia inherited Salak’s post after she migrated to the U.S. shortly after Season 85. And she felt like a student once again as the FEU legend rejoined the team’s coaching staff as a consultant.
“Ayun, isang napaka-overwhelming na experience bilang isang player na ma-coachan ka ng isang Coach T (Salak). Napaka-fulfilling na ‘yun sa mga feelings ng bata,” said Refugia, a former Tamaraw.
FEU had an impressive debut in Season 86, sweeping University of the Philippines, 25-23, 25-21, 25-18, to hand Refugia a winning debut in the UAAP.
Gerzel Petallo starred for the Lady Tamaraws, posting a game-high 16 points on 12 attacks and four blocks.
Meanwhile, Chenie Tagaod added 12 points on 12 attacks to go along with four excellent receptions.
“Siguro itong first game, magiging basehan namin, parang buwelo papunta sa mga susunod pang games. So nate-test ‘yung chemistry namin, ‘yung pinag-trainingan namin ng ilang buwan. ‘Yung relationship namin ng girls, from coaches to players, nate-test naman dito sa UAAP,” said Refugia.
The rookie coach already said in past interviews that Salak, despite her move to the U.S., constantly kept in touch with him.
She also guided him as he prepared for his first full season as a head coach.
Refugia also believes that Salak’s return will be a huge morale booster for the squad moving forward.
“What more pa ‘yung isang coach gaya ko na ma-coach ka, ma-guide ka ni Coach T papunta sa magandang sistema, kung ano ‘yung nilo-look forward niya,” said Refugia.
“Ayun ‘yung pinapasa niya sa’kin na tinatrabaho namin ng mga girls kung ano ‘yung dapat naming tignan sa mga susunod pa.”
