By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Volleyball legend Tina Salak just ended her head coaching stint with the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws confirmed last June 16, 2023.
In a surprising turn of events, the former Philippine national team setter just bid farewell to the collegiate women’s volleyball program of FEU after the management announced that she will be migrating to the US.
“FEU Women’s Volleyball Team Head Coach Tina Salak is stepping down from her position. Coach Tina will soon migrate to the USA as her immigrant visa application recently got approved,” wrote the Lady Tamaraws in a statement.
The FEU women’s volleyball program flourished soon as Salak took the seat as their head mentor and finished fifth during the UAAP Season 85.
It was a major leap in terms of performance after the Lady Tamaraws were the worst team in the UAAP two seasons ago.
Under coach Salak, the Lady Tamaraws were close to punching a Final Four ticket but lost several crucial games in the last four outings.
Taking her place as the chief tactician of the program is coach Manolo Refugia who will be kicking off his new role in the upcoming V-League Collegiate Challenge next month.
Salak was a replacement for former head coach George Pascua and was praised by her rivals after taking FEU to the next level.
During her playing years with the Lady Tamaraws, Salak steered FEU to two championship titles and was hailed as the UAAP Season 95 Most Valuable Player (MVP) awardee.
Salak was also the Philippine national team’s main setter for four-straight years since 1997 and propelled them to one silver medal and three-straight bronze medals.
The former Lady Tamaraw also had numerous stints in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) and last saw action with the Chery Tiggo squad last 2021 when she handled a playing assistant coach role.
