DLSU LADY SPIKERS
Sports
Atitan-like reputation precedes the man that has led the De La Salle Lady Spikers to an impressive 11 University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) championships in the twenty years that he has been at the helm. A strict, don’t-mess-with-him disciplinarian, Coach Ramil de Jesus has since settled into the guise of a mentor, practically being a father of sorts to a rotation of now volleyball superstars that have toiled their time at his training court.
But despite this preconception, he doesn’t rest on just the numbers, instead he keeps moving forward because of the passion he has for the sport that is near and dear to his heart. “Siguro sa akin, hard work lang ‘yan, and then ‘yung passion,” he says of his winning touch as a coach. This approach to mentoring goes beyond athletics, he adds. “Isa sa advocacy ko ‘yung makita ko ‘yung players na nag-e-excel sa academics and athletics. Hindi ko tinatapos ‘yung level ng athletics sa collegiate level lang,” he explains. “Gusto ko, kahit saan man sila makarating, pang-international ‘yung tina-target kong level. Kaya sinasabi ko, medyo mahirap talaga, mataas ang standards ng athlete na hinahanap ko, kaya pag dito kayo pumunta, ready kayo dapat.” While it certainly belies an exterior, the coach with the best volleyball program in the country insists that for all his intentions, it comes from a very good and perhaps unexpected place. “‘Yung mahirap na burden as a coach is the burden na ipinagkatiwala sa’yo ng parents ‘yung anak nila.”
While it is true that it may take a lot to impress a man of his skill and stature in the sport, the key he says, is being able to be open to change and to learn everything you can. “Sa akin kasi, tinitingnan ko kung pasok ‘yung skills mo,” he says. “Other than that, ‘yung attitude and character na kahit hindi marunong pero nakikita mo yung potential, talagang pwede mong i-build dahil may willingness ‘to na matuto and be coached.” This is also the same level of passion and care that he intends to take to the Philippine women’s volleyball team where is returning as head coach after 13 years. Where he intends to replicate, if not exceed the bronze medal standing at the 2005 SEA Games, he is focused on shaping up the system from within, setting it for a more golden future ahead.—ARDC