YEE BAGONG COACH NG LADY WARRIORS

ITINALAGA ng University of the East si Jerry Yee bilang bagong women’s volleyball coach, isang hakbang na maaaring maging game changer para sa Recto-based program.

Sa pinakahuling UAAP Final Four appearance ng Lady Warriors noong 2006-07 season, sandaling tumulong si Yee sa pagsasanay sa koponan, na hinahawakan noon ni Jessie Reyes.

Dating ginabayan ang University of the Philippines at Adamson, na kanyang iginiya sa hindi bababa sa Final Four appearance, asam ni Yee na wakasan ang 16-year drought ng UE.

“It is a privilege to have Coach Jerry Yee as our head coach. Coach Jerry’s reputation and experience in the field of volleyball are well-known. With his extensive knowledge and expertise, there is no doubt that his leadership will steer the team in a new direction,” sabi ni Jared Lao, ang bagong team manager ng Lady Warriors.

Papalitan ni Yee si Jumbo Dimaculangan, na hinawakan ang UE ng tatlong seasons.

Nagtala ang Lady Warriors ng pinagsamang 2-24 record sa nakalipas na dalawang taon, at si Yee, na ginabayan ang Fighting Maroons sa Final Four berth noong 2016 at ang Lady Falcons na putulin ang nine-year postseason dry spell, ay naatasang ibahin ang ihip ng hangin.

Mamanahin ni Yee ang isang UE squad na pinangungunahan nina do-it-all Ja Lana, incoming sophomores Khy Cepada, Van Bangayan at libero Angelica Reyes, setter Jel Quizon at middle blockers Lia Pelaga at Riza Nogales.

Hindi magiging madali ngunit nakahanda ang Lady Warriors na iwaksi ang also -ran image.

“Like our other teams, we strive for excellence and aim to foster a championship culture. While victories are important, our goals extend beyond that. We want to help develop our players into not only outstanding athletes but also remarkable individuals who positively contribute to the community,” sabi ni Lao.

Sa kaagahan ng buwan ay nilisan ni Lee ang Adamson makaraang pumirma sa bagong Premier Volleyball League club Farm Fresh.

Itinalaga rin ng UE, host ng Season 86, si Karl Santos bilang bagong high school boys’ basketball coach nito, kapalit ni Ronnie Dojillo.

Ang Junior Warriors, na huling nakarating sa Final Four noong 2002, ay tumapos sa sixth place na may 3-11 record noong nakaraang season.

“I am incredibly grateful to the UE community for welcoming our group with open arms. I am also thrilled about the opportunity to work with this exceptional group of coaches. UE is widely recognized for having one of the best basketball and volleyball programs in the Philippines,” wika ni Lao, anak ni sports patron Frank Lao.

“With that being said, our aim is to restore the glory days of the Red Warriors. We are excited to contribute to the development of young basketball and volleyball players, helping them gradually achieve their dreams,” dagdag pa niya.