University of the East tapped the services of multi-titled head coach Jerry Yee with hopes of turning the Lady Warriors’ fortune around in the coming University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament.
Yee will take over the coaching reins from Ronwald “Jumbo” Dimaculangan.
Yee is no stranger to the UAAP, having previously coached the women’s volleyball teams of the University of the Philippines and Adamson University.
Yee steered the Fighting Maroons to a Final Four finish in 2016 and just this year in his return to the league piloted the Lady Falcons to a third place finish in Season 85.
“It is a privilege to have Coach Jerry Yee as our head coach. Coach Jerry’s reputation and experience in the field of volleyball are well-known. With his extensive knowledge and expertise, there is no doubt that his leadership will steer the team in a new direction,” expressed team manager Jared Lao, son of sports patron Frank Lao, who also supports the programs of College of Saint Benilde and Letran High School.
Yee, who concurrently serves as the head coach of Premier Volleyball League club Farm Fresh and reigning back-to-back National Collegiate Athletic Association champions Lady Blazers, will have a tough task at hand.
The Lady Warriors had a disappointing 1-13 win-loss record last season.
Meanwhile, UE also made a major shake up in high school basketball after appointing Karl Santos a new Junior Warriors head coach replacing Ronnie Dojillo.
Santos, the former head coach of La Salle Green Hills, guided the Greenies to a Final Four finish in NCAA Season 95. He also serves as an assistant coach for PBA team Converge.
“Our first goal is to change the environment. We need to cultivate a competitive spirit and set high standards for these players because we aspire to establish a winning culture. Although we are a new team, our aim remains the championship,” stated Santos.
The Junior Warriors ended up in sixth place with a 3-11 record last season.
Both the Junior Warriors and Lady Warriors have not reached the Final Four in several decades. The boys’ basketball team last made a semi-final appearance in UAAP Season 64, while the women’s volleyball team last qualified for the Final Four in Season 69.
“Our aim is to restore the glory days of the Red Warriors. We are excited to contribute to the development of young basketball and volleyball players, helping them gradually achieve their dreams,” Lao said.
For Lao, the first priority is to instill a cultural shift within the school.
“Like our other teams, we strive for excellence and aim to foster a championship culture. While victories are important, our goals extend beyond that. We want to help develop our players into not only outstanding athletes but also remarkable individuals who positively contribute to the community,” emphasized Lao.
