Shaq Delos Santos was officially promoted from lead assistant to head coach of the Cignal HD Spikers in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).
The development was announced through the Cignal HD Spikers' Facebook page Friday, March 12, marking the debut of Delos Santos and the team in the PVL since jumping ship from the Philippine Superliga (PSL).
The former national team tactician will continue the coaching duties left by coach Edgar Barroga, whose contract was not renewed amid the coronavirus pandemic last year.
Delos Santos is responsible for Petron's four PSL titles, two each in the Grand Prix and All Filipino conference from 2017 to 2019, which formed a storied rivalry against the Ramil de Jesus-coached F2 Logistics.
Cignal, which has been competing in the PSL since 2013, announced its transfer to the PVL in early March.
The final roster has yet to be finalized but the poster photo on its announcement featured Rachel Daquis, Jheck Dionela and Ranya Musa. Cignal also acquired Ayel Estrañero.
The HD Spikers are banking on their resume highlighted by a co-championship title in the 2017 Invitational, three runner-up finishes and four bronze-medal finishes.
Cignal joined 11 other teams in PVL's historic professional debut along with former PSL teams PLDT, Sta. Lucia, F2 Logistics, Chery Tiggo (formerly Foton), newcomer Unlimited Athletes Club coached by Barroga, and holdovers Creamline, Petro Gazz, BanKo Perlas, Army, Choco Mucho and Balipure in the Open Conference tentatively set on May 8 at Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna under a bubble setup.