Oliver Almadro vowed that he will still take care of Ateneo de Manila University despite being appointed as head coach of Petro Gazz in the Premier Volleyball League.
In an interview, Almadro stressed that the Blue Eagles has been very supportive to his decision of walking away from Choco Mucho to lead Petro Gazz to another title run in the country’s professional women’s volleyball league.
He added that he will still call the shots for Ateneo when it shoots for the title in Season 85 University Athletic Association of the Philippines women’s volleyball tourney that will open next month.
“Ateneo has no problem as long as my responsibilities in the UAAP are there. I don’t have any problem with Ateneo ever since,” said Almadro, who will handle the Angels squad that is still fresh from winning the Reinforced Conference title.
“When I started coaching there, I was also coaching other teams. They (Ateneo) fully support me in what I do.”
Almadro, who will replace Rald Ricafort, is tipped to bring in a wealth of experience to Petro Gazz after serving as head coach of the men’s team in the 28th Southeast Asian Games in Singapore in 2015.
Despite the departure of star spiker Myla Pablo, libero Bang Pineda and middle blocker Seth Rodriguez, Almadro is optimistic that he will still be able to form a solid team centered around open spikers MJ Phillips and Gretchel Soltones.
“I hope the fans there will still support Petro Gazz no matter what. I’m sure that these players in Petro Gazz will surely deliver and show they are a team, even without an import, that can perform well,” Almadro said.
“As of now, the roster is still intact. Every position is filled and we have to put in a system to try and grow together. We have to own up to the responsibilities.”
