By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The transition now begins for the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) women’s volleyball team.
After failing to win a UAAP championship title since their majestic 2019 campaign, the Ateneo women’s volleyball management just kicked off its major off-season move after tapping Brazilian mentor Sergio Veloso as their newest head coach announced last July 3, 2023.
The Brazilian tactician was formally welcomed to the Ateneo women’s volleyball program during a courtesy call with president Fr. Roberto C. Yap.
Veloso will be taking over the position of coach Oliver Almadro, Ateneo’s long-time head coach for six years.
The Brazilian veteran will be looking to reclaim the lost glory of the Ateneo women’s team and will also be tasked to form another championship unit after the departure of superstar hitter Faith Nisperos and reliable scorer Vanie Gandler who are now playing in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).
Veloso first took part in the men’s national volleyball squad program alongside the legendary Edson Souza de Brito arranged by the FIVB several years ago.
After several stints, Veloso was then named as the head coach of the PHL men’s national team but is yet to announce if he will be playing a dual role or will be fully committed to the Ateneo women’s program.
Veloso will be handling a rebuilding Ateneo squad that just missed the UAAP Final Four last season when the De La Salle University dethroned National University during the grand finals.
As of now, Ateneo is still searching for the right players that will fit in Veloso’s system and is hoping to make the Final Four again.
