jilievo online gaming UAAP: Sherwin Meneses raring for return with NU unfazed by pressure

FILE–Coach Sherwin Meneses after guiding the Creamline Cool Smashers to another PVL championship.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Nine years ago, Sherwin Meneses used to be one of the promising young coaches in the collegiate ranks when he handled his alma mater Adamson in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament from 2012 to 2016. 

Away from his school, Meneses made his own mark when he was tasked to take over the Creamline Cool Smashers from coach Tai Bundit in the PVL in 2022, winning seven titles including a historic grand slam last year — the first since the league had three conferences in one season.

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The most successful professional volleyball coach now faces a new challenge as his proven system and winning culture collaborate with the Lady Bulldogs, led by two-time UAAP MVP Bella Belen and reigning Finals MVP Alyssa Solomon.

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More than his return to the UAAP since his exit from Adamson, led by Jema Galanza and Mylene Paat, in Season 78, Meneses is excited to represent the school close to the heart of his family and compete at a higher level against vastly improved programs.

“Siyempre [nakaka-excite] yung mag-represent ng isang school — yung family ko kasi nasa NU, yun yung pinakamaganda. Alam niyo naman yung UAAP talagang sobrang gandang labanan. So talagang excited ako na makabalik sa UAAP,” Meneses told reporters.

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“Yung NU, siyempre defending champion, lahat gusto talunin [kami]. Yung pressure laging nandiyan pero lalabanan yung pressure. May tiwala naman ako doon sa team ng NU, talagang senior team na sila.”

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NU Lady Bulldogs celebrate after winning the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball championship with a sweep of UST Tigresses. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Carrying his success in the pro ranks over to an emerging NU dynasty also puts a bigger target on the backs of the Lady Bulldogs.

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But as a coach who always keeps the Cool Smashers on top of their game, Meneses wants the Lady Bulldogs to remain hungry for more success and improvement every practice. 

READ: UAAP: Sherwin Meneses’ experience, knowledge bolster intact NU

“Lagi kong sinasabi sa kanila na mag-improve everyday, every training, so pag nagi-improve napapaganda yung laro, nakakakuha ng panalo, nakakakuha ng championship. Wag lang silang mag-stop na matuto. especially champion team din talaga yung NU,” Meneses said. “Blessing kung manalo, mag-champion pero siyempre school by school ito. Lahat gusto talunin yung NU.”

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Meneses handled the team in the AVC Club Championship when the school represented the country. He also won the Shakey’s Super League Preseason Championship against La Salle.

For Meneses, so far, so good for the Lady Bulldogs in adapting his new system. But his purpose is to push his team to strive for more improvement despite their achievements. 

During the latter part of Tuesday’s session, HB No. 10926 was brought to the floor, with House committee on ways and means chairperson and Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda, and committee on legislative franchises chairperson and Parañaque 2nd District Rep. Gus Tambunting sponsoring the proposed measure.

READ: Sherwin Meneses is the new NU Lady Bulldogs coach

“Yung NU meron sila yung sariling galing, dinadagdagan lang namin,” he said. “Sobrang bait nila kasi siyempre sila yung tumulong sa akin na mapadali yung samahan sa NU. Napaka-vocal nila, especially Bella. Hindi naman basta-basta malalaman yung mga ugali ng players pero si Bella talagang nakikipag-communicate sa amin sa mga coaches. Naging madali yung chemistry ng team.”

It will be a fitting UAAP comeback for Meneses as the seven-time PVL champion coach battles the most decorated collegiate coach in Ramil De Jesus with NU clashing with La Salle to highlight UAAP volleyball’s opening weekend at Mall of Asia Arena.

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“Yung pressure laging nandiyan pero excited ako na first game is La Salle. Talagang contender din talaga yung La Salle, every team naman, especially sa mga previous na offseason sila yung nakalaban namin. Let’s see kung sino talaga yung nag-improve sa UAAP [from] preseason to UAAPjilievo online gaming,” Meneses said.

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