
By NIKOLE JAVIER
Former Army Black Mamba setter Tina Salak is hoping to instill the discipline she had learned as a professional player with Far Eastern University in her debut in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament.
The 46-year-old tactician, who was appointed as the Lady Tamaraws’ coach, officially launched her coaching stint last year at the collegiate level and is now the league’s first woman coach.
"Malaki 'yong pinagbago nila, number one 'yong time . Kasi most important ‘yong time kasi respect natin ‘yong time with lahat ng aspect kasi doon naman nagsa-start 'yong displina,” said Salak during the league’s press conference on Wednesday, Feb. 22, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
For Salak, though, the challenge lies both between her team and among seasoned coaches as she earns their respect and figures out her way to compete with them as a rookie tactician.
“Personal kasi, ‘yong challenge kasi definitely ako ‘yong rookie among other coaches here and precisely gusto ko din magkaroon ng knowledge sa mga diskarte nila. But I want them also na ma-threat sila sa akin, not only matakot as appearance but also sa program and para makuha ko din ‘yong respect in a way. ‘Yon din naman ‘yong maganda, nagkakaroon tayo ng respect pero this time kasi rookie year ko ngayon so gusto ko ma-feel nila iyong respect na iyon,” added Salak.
The Lady Tamaraws, who finished in eighth place last season, are excited to get revenge for last season's painful outcome and attempt a better run with the team in her debut.
FEU will take on University of the Philippines on Sunday, Feb. 26, at the Mall of Asia Arena as the second offering of the quadruple header at 12 noon.