After three seasons, Brazilian coach Sergio Veloso parts ways with Ateneo
At A Glance
- Brazilian coach Sergio Veloso bid farewell to Ateneo after wrapping up its campaign in the UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last Wednesday, April 22.
Sergio Veloso concludes his head coaching stint with the Ateneo Blue Eagles. (UAAP Media)
Brazilian coach Sergio Veloso bid farewell to Ateneo after wrapping up its campaign in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last Wednesday, April 22.
Veloso, 56, who made his UAAP coaching debut in Season 86, disclosed that he will no longer return to lead the team next season, marking the end of his three-year stint as head coach of the Blue Eagles.
“Being able to contribute to my players is my greatest victory,” Veloso wrote.“Thank you for your support these past 3 years. You will always be in my heart. One Big fight!”
The seasoned mentor, who was called up in 2023 to guide the men’s volleyball team in the 32nd Southeast Asia Games in Cambodia due to the FIVB empowerment program, stressed that he is leaving the country as well as he looks forward to bringing his coaching skills overseas.
The Katipunan-based squad ended its run this year with a 2-12 win-loss card – its worst record in the Final Four era – at seventh place in the standings to miss out the semifinal for fourth straight seasons.
It was also the poorest performance by the Blue Eagles under the tutelage of Veloso after posting five wins against nine defeats in both Seasons 86 and 87.
Veloso’s departure adds to questions surrounding the future of the once-powerhouse Ateneo, which is also heading next edition without the service of Zel Tsunashima and setter Taks Fujimoto, who opted to forego her final playing year as a Blue Eagle.
Sans Tsunashima and Fujimoto, Dona De Leon, Jihan Chuatico, Ana Hermosura, Zey Pacia, and KC Cortez are anticipated to banner the squad next year with hopes of returning to the semis.