Majoy Baron laments Ramil de Jesus’ exit as national team coach

MANILA, Philippines – Majoy Baron lamented longtime mentor Ramil de Jesus’ departure as head coach of the Philippine women’s volleyball team. 

Less than two months after the announcement of his return as national team tactician and after two national team tryouts, De Jesus has already resigned from his post and has been replaced by Shaq delos Santos. 

This development comes as a suprise to national team aspirant Baron, who admitted she only found out of the news on social media.

Baron has been under De Jesus’ tutelage for 5 years now since she began her stint at the De La Salle University and was hoping to play for the famed coach in the Philippine squad that will participate in the Asian Games in August.

“Nakakapanghinayang,” said Baron, who won 3 UAAP titles and two Philippine SuperLiga (PSL) championships with De Jesus. “Sayang, [but] we respect his decision.” 

(It’s such a waste. But we respect his decision.)

The former UAAP Most Valuable Player, however, is not taking anything away from Delos Santos, a proven champion coach who was the mastermind of Petron Blaze Spikers’ title campaign in the recent PSL Grand Prix. 

“Iba lang ‘yung approach ni [coach Shaq], pero siya pa rin ang coach namin,” she said.

(Coach Shaq has a different approach but he is still our coach.) 

Same as Baron, Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas, Inc. (LVPI) president Peter Cayco said he accepts De Jesus’ decision.

“He’s handling 3 teams. I’ll respect that and leave it at that,” said Cayco.

Despite the sudden change in staff, the wheels are definitely turning for the national team.

According to Cayco, foreign trainings and regional competitions are scheduled for the team up until 2019.

Delos Santos, together with his coaching staff including University of Santo Tomas head coach Emilio “Kung Fu” Reyes Jr., will be choosing 14 players from the 24-man pool submitted by the LVPI to the Philippine Sports Commission for the Asiad.

Among the 24 who were present in the team’s first meeting on Tuesday, June 5, at the Arellano Gym are Baron and other graduating UAAP stars Jaja Santiago, Sisi Rondina, Dawn Macandili and Kim Kianna Dy. 

Also present were Aby Marano, Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Mika Reyes, Mylene Paat, Ces Molina and CJ Rosario. 

Practice resumes on Thursday, June 7, at the same venue. – Franco Luna/Rappler.com