[PODCAST] At the Buzzer: Coach O on Ateneo’s title run, volley bubble

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Ateneo Lady Eagles head coach Oliver Almadro talks about his team’s run to the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball title in the latest episode of the At the Buzzer podcast with host Naveen Ganglani. 

Almadro starts off by sharing updates on the future of the UAAP before retelling his journey from La Salle assistant coach under Ramil de Jesus more than two decades ago, to succeeding Tai Bundit as chief tactician of the Lady Eagles.

The multi-titled mentor notes the difference in leadership between his two captains during Ateneo’s championship season – Bea De Leon and Maddie Madayag – and how that benefited the team as they battled UST for the crown. 

Almadro also opens the curtains on the planned Premier Volleyball League (PVL) bubble and admits his team, ChocoMucho, is in discussion with players from the disbanded Motolite squad. 

As a treat to fans, Almadro answers questions sent through social media about UAAP recruitment, coaching philosophies, the future of current Lady Eagles, and more.

Here is an excerpt from the podcast:

Naveen: What was young coach Ramil de Jesus like? What do you remember from coach Ramil 25, 24 years ago that you think people would find interesting?

Almadro: Parang ako yan, gan’on. I mean, sorry, ha! He’s so passionate also. I remember during those times magkasama kami sa bus, going from La Salle Taft, bus lang kami, walang aircon. Nag co-commute lang kami, nag je-jeep going to La Salle Zobel. And imagine, champion na ang La Salle nun. Maguusap lang kami tapos biglang, suddenly, makakaisip ‘yun ng drill. Kukuha lang ng isang maliit na papel ‘yun, papagusapan na namin ‘yun. 

– Rappler.com