By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
New face, familiar name.
After a disappointing ending during the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference several months ago, the Choco Mucho Flying Titans began its team overhaul and appointed the most decorated men’s volleyball coach in the country.
The Flying Titans officially welcomed coach Dante Alinsunurin as their newest head mentor last January 6, 2023, replacing interim coach Edjet Mabbayad who was the team’s assistant coach during the past seasons.
Alinsunurin will be taking over the reign of former Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) head coach Oliver Almadro who was released by the team midway through the import-laced conference.
Almadro’s release then became the reason why Mabbayad filled in the role as the team’s interim head coach.
Now under the leadership and system of coach Alinsunurin, the Choco Mucho franchise is expected to perform better and re-discover its spark.
“With Coach Dante’s experience, commitment and program, we truly believe he will lead our Titans to reach their highest potential as he has done for the other teams he has coached,” wrote the team in a statement.
Alinsunurin already became a legend in the men’s volleyball scene after leading National University (NU) to four UAAP championship titles.
Aside from the UAAP crowns, Alinsunurin was also the architect behind NU’s Spikers’ Turf championships, the men’s professional volleyball league.
After making a name for himself in the collegiate scene, the tactician was called up by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) to lead the country’s men’s national team during the 30th Southeast Asian Games (SEAG).
Alinsunurin and the rest of the PHL team stunned the whole Southeast Asia after pushing deep into the championship match and won an impressive silver medal.
The legendary volleyball coach will be mentoring national team setter Deanna Wong, former national team middle blocker Maddie Madayag, and team captain Bea De Leon.
