After rewriting the record books in UAAP Season 88, De La Salle University head coach Ramil De Jesus believes the biggest boost heading into the next chapter came not from a new recruit, but from his veteran players choosing to stay.
The decorated Lady Spikers mentor expressed his appreciation after Shevana Laput, Angel Canino, Amie Provido, and Lyka De Leon decided to return for UAAP Season 89, giving La Salle the continuity and leadership it needs as it tries to defend its throne.
The decision carries extra weight after the Lady Spikers produced one of the most dominant campaigns in league history last season. La Salle went unbeaten through all 16 assignments, eventually completing its championship run by sweeping defending champions National University in the Finals.
For De Jesus, seeing his seniors prioritize the team over turning professional immediately was a meaningful reward.
“Ayun ‘yung pinakaswerteng natanggap ko na regalo ng mga seniors ko, na nag-stay sila for the team, and hindi kaagad nagmadaling mag-pro,” Ramil said.
However, the veteran coach understands that repeating a perfect season will be a much bigger challenge. With La Salle now carrying the target on its back, De Jesus knows every opponent will enter games against the Lady Spikers with extra motivation.
“‘Yung bawat games naman dumadaan eh, so kung ano ‘yung kahinatnan ng games, kung kulang ‘yung preparation mo, eh maghabol ka. Pero kung nandoon ka sa itaas, edi ikaw ‘yung habulin. Ganon kasimple,” he said.
OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.
#WATCH: GUSTO KO ‘YUN PARA SA INYO
Ramil de Jesus is proud that Angel Canino and Amie Provido are part of the #AsianGames2026 pool
#ReadMore
https://t.co/VnymAQZ36y
@justinvalencia_ /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason88 pic.twitter.com/Ysi5hbzw6i
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) June 30, 2026
Despite the pressure that comes with success, De Jesus remains committed to the sport and the program that he has built over the years.
“Sa akin kasi, siguro, ‘yung passion kasi hindi nawawala ‘yun eh. Hanggang siguro binibigyan ako ng pagkakataon, ng chance, at mayroong naniniwala sa akin so tuloy tuloy lang siguro ‘yun.”
Aside from their impact on La Salle, the returning seniors are also earning recognition on the national stage. De Jesus welcomed the inclusion of Canino and Provido in the Alas Pilipinas women’s volleyball training pool that will prepare for the 20th Asian Games in Japan this coming September. Finals MVP Laput is also part of the group.
The veteran mentor believes their selection reflects the quality and potential they have shown.
“Deserving sila, nakita nila ‘yong potentials ng mga bata, nakita nila talagang makakatulong (sa team),” veteran coach said.
Canino and Provido were among the country’s top hitters named to the Philippine Olympic Committee-released training pool. They join national team standouts including captain Jia De Guzman, Belen, Eya Laure, Fifi Sharma, Shai Nitura, Alyssa Solomon, Vanie Gandler, and Erika Santos under new head coach Taka Minowa.
For De Jesus, the challenge is clear, maintain the hunger that produced perfection while preparing for a league determined to stop La Salle’s reign.
Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!
Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.
Leave a Reply