Tina Salak formally stepped down as head coach of Far Eastern University following a fruitless season in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines women’s volleyball tournament.
In a statement, the Lady Tamaraws announced that the 44-year-old former national team playmaker had decided to quit to migrate to the United States.
She, however, will still serve as team consultant while Manolo Refugia will serve as interim coach starting in the V-League collegiate tourney this July.
“FEU Women’s Volleyball Team Head Coach Tina Salak is stepping down from her position. Coach Tina will soon migrate to the USA as her immigrant visa application recently got approved,” the Lady Tamaraws said in a statement.
“Coach Manolo Refugia will serve as the interim head coach of the team in the V-League Collegiate Challenge scheduled this July.”
“Let’s all wish the best for Coach Tina as she moves on to this new phase of her life.”
After replacing George Pascua last year, Salak finally got his first head coaching job in the senior ranks of the UAAP.
She was pivotal in the Season 85 campaign of a young FEU squad that stunned the collegiate circuit with their inspired performance.
In fact, they almost got into the Final Four after finishing the elimination round fifth with a 6-8 win-loss mark, including big wins over Ateneo de Manila University, the University of the East, and the University of the Philippines.
Salak said she was glad at how they performed and she anticipates a huge rebound in Season 86.
“We dream big, think big. Anything is possible,” Salak said.
“All of the possibilities are just right in front of us. But it won’t be given to us on a silver platter. We have to work hard for it.”
“If not this season, definitely next season.”
