Former PH volleyball captain Vangie de Jesus dies

Vangie de Jesus, one of Philippine volleyball’s best setters, passed away Saturday, November 21. She was 72.

De Jesus, who served as captain of the national women’s team, helped the Philippines win 3 Southeast Asian Games championships (1977, 1979, 1981) and saw action in the 1982 Asian Games. 

“What I like about her is that she fights for the country,” former national coach Robert Calo said of his former ward.  

Marichu Jao San Juan, a member of the 1979 SEA Games champion squad, also said the 5-foot-2 De Jesus is “irreplaceable.”

Volleyball analyst Mozzy Ravena added De Jesus stood out because of her “decision making and court management.”

De Jesus was honed by renowned volleyball coach Francisco Toribio of University of the East. Her leadership shone in the 1979 SEA Games women’s final versus Indonesia in Jakarta, which the Philippines won in a grueling 15-13, 11-15, 6-15, 16-14, 15-9 decision.

“Vangie played a big role there,” said Calo of the match, one of the unforgettable moments in Philippine volleyball history.

“She gives the ball to you just right,” said Alma Jocson, one of the best quick spikers of that period. “And when she sees you are lucky or cannot be blocked, she gives the ball to you all the time. Even if the hitter is on the second line, she will give the ball to you.”

Former Philippine Olympic Committee president Cristy Ramos, who played volleyball at Philippine Women’s University, also credited De Jesus’ mentorship skills. 

“She made me into an outstanding spiker,” said Ramos, noting that De Jesus is also “a great motivator.” – Rappler.com