Oliver Almadro awaits Ateneo call on his status as Blue Eagles coach

MANILA, Philippines —Oliver Almadro said he is still waiting for Ateneo’s call regarding his future as the school’s women’s volleyball team coach.

Almadro admitted he hasn’t received any updates from the school after the Blue Eagles missed Final Four for the first time since 2009 with a 4-10 record in UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament.

He did not disclose whether his contract with the team has expired.

“I don’t know. I don’t know if there’s any announcement. I’m staying put, I’m just here around the corner. Coaches are only as good as our last performance. No matter [the] sacrifice or [the] willingness to deliver what you want, our job as a coach is really not an easy one,” said Almadro.

“We have to take care of the players’ mentality, character, holistic values, life, formation and as they always say, the result is not always better than the performance. Sometimes you don’t get the result that you get but it’s hard to argue about the performance of the coaches in the Philippines, in all teams.”

There have been recent coaching changes in UAAP women’s volleyball. Champion coach Karl Dimaculangan was replaced by Normal Miguel at NU. Jerry Yee was released by Adamson after a successful year and joined UE. FEU coach Tina Salak also resigned with an impending move to the US.

Almadro, who steered the women’s volleyball team to a title in 2019 and three titles in the men’s division during his time as coach, said he is willing to accept whatever decision Ateneo management makes.

“Whatever it is, whatever the plans We have to abide by it because our job is always about being as good as our last performance. So we have to accept everything and put the trust in the Lord that there are better plans for all of us. To all coaches, in the UAAP, NCAA, V-League, our job is really hard. It’s always our job to perform and give results so we’ve accepted that,” said the Blue Eagles coach said.

“I’ve heard also that there have been coaching changes. But for us coaches, whatever role you give us, whatever assignment, we will do the best that we can. We will offer our life for the institution that we work for,” he added.

“Adamson, NU and UE have announced [coaching changes], but I don’t know if my institution wants to announce [anything]. I don’t want to speculate, I don’t want to preempt whatever happens. I’m just here.” 

But whether or not he continues as the Blue Eagles’ coach, Almadro extended his thanks to Ateneo where has served for the last 12 years in different capacities.

“I love Ateneo, I gave one-fourth of my life, 12 years in Ateneo. Five golds, two silvers, two bronze, not to mention other tournaments so no matter what for me Ateneo is one of the best institutions. The character of one department is not the reflection of the whole Ateneo because Ateneo is the best school that I know,” Almadro said.

“I’m still waiting what will happen. I cannot say anything.”

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