The Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors tries a new strategy to strengthen the squad in future Premier Volleyball League tournaments by turning their team captain Rubie De Leon into one of their coaches.
The veteran setter will be part of their coaching staff for the remainder of the year as they recalibrate the whole squad.
“The team is adjusting kasi,” De Leon said in a statement posted to the team’s social media accounts.
“With this, I think mas makaka-contribute ako sa team by guiding them lalo na ang setters.”
De Leon, 41, isn’t new to coaching as she has been mentoring in the girls’ division for the past years.
The former national team member also clarified the transition from team setter to coaching staff member isn’t an indication of retirement.
“May minor injury rin kasi ako. Hindi ako makaka-training nang mabigat kaya kailangan na mag-adjust,” she said.
“Rest and observe while at the same time helping Sta. Lucia as one of the coaches. Hindi pa tayo ready for retirement.”
With De Leon’s transition, expect Djanel Cheng to step up in her position.
Sta. Lucia finished fifth place in the recent PVL Open Conference held under a bubble type setup in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte under former coach Eddison Orcullo.
Just recently, Edgar Barroga takes on Orcollo’s reins.
Aiza Pontillas, Mika Reyes, MJ Phillips, Dell Palomata and Bang Pineda are among Sta. Lucia’s brightest players.