University of the East, which will host season 86 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, got a big boost in its sports program with the appointment of a new manager and two new coaches.
Sports officials of the school are bringing in Jerry Yee to handle the women’s volleyball team, with Karl Santos taking over as junior basketball mentor.
The two teams will be managed by Jared Lao, the son of businessman-sportsman Frank Lao.
Yee, who used to handle the University of the Philippines spikers, will come in place of Ronwald Dimaculangan, while Santos, who used to handle La Salle Greenhills, replaces Ronnie Dojillo.
Lao comes from a family of sportsmen, with his father Frank quietly supporting the past campaigns of the College of Benilde Blazers, the Letran Squires and LSGH in the National Collegiate Athletic Association. His brother Jacob takes care of Converge Fiber Xers in the Philippine Basketball Association.
“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,” said Lao in a statement.
Yee also coached the Adamson University Lady Falcons in previous seasons as well.
School officials are hoping that both the Junior Warriors and Lady Warriors will have a great season this time, after failing to reach the Final Four for many years. Peter Atencio
The boys’ basketball team last made a semifinal appearance back UAAP Season 64, while the women’s volleyball team reached the Final Four in Season 69.
In the previous season, the Lady Warriors finished in last place with a 1-13 record in women’s volleyball, while the Junior Warriors ended up in sixth place with a 3-11 record in the high school basketball tournament.
