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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider ASAPHIL taps world-class coach

ASAPHIL taps world-class coach

Published Jun 23, 2025 03:14 pm

At A Glance

  • The Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (ASAPHIL) has tapped world-class coach Steven Figueroa to help lead the national women's softball team to greater heights this year.
Coach Steven Figueroa is expected to help the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (ASAPHIL) in bolstering the Blu Girls.
Coach Steven Figueroa is expected to help the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (ASAPHIL) in bolstering the Blu Girls.
The Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (ASAPHIL) has tapped world-class coach Steven Figueroa to help lead the national women’s softball team to greater heights this year.
A former professional baseball player in the United States before transitioning to developing women’s softball, Figueroa is expected to join local coaches in gearing up the Blu Girls for future major international tournaments.
“This group has the discipline, the heart, and now, the structure to compete fiercely with the world’s best,” said Figueroa.
“We’re not just preparing for tournaments; we are forging a world-class softball program,” he added.
Figueroa was no stranger with Philippine softball as he has already worked with ASAPHI: in the past including holding a two-day clinic last January with fellow elite coach Skylynne Ellazar at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
He thanked ASAPHIL President Jean Henri Lhuillier for trusting in his vision for the team, adding that he recognized the raw talent of the Blu Girls.
“We have a very competitive team,” Figueroa said. “The next step is for them to deeply believe they are capable of winning globally. My philosophy is simple: don't measure yourselves against the world, focus on the consistent effort we make right here, every single day.”
Lhuillier, who handpicked Figueroa to help map the development of the team, is confident and optimistic.
“Coach Steven is a driving force,” said Lhuillier, who is also President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuiller that is also supporting the squad.
“He doesn't just hone individual talent, he's implementing a system that elevates the entire sport of softball across the country. Under his visionary direction, I am convinced that he can take Philippine softball to even greater heights, setting new benchmarks for success,” he added.
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