LVPI keen on De Jesus as national team coach, says source

MANILA, Philippines – The clamor for multi-titled coach Ramil de Jesus to handle the national women’s volleyball team is growing wildly, making him the runaway favorite in this coaching search launched by the Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas, Inc.

A federation insider said De Jesus is strongly being considered to replace Francis Vicente, who steered the Nationals in the AVC Asian Senior Women’s Championship and the 29th Southeast Asian Games last year.

In fact, he already sat down with top LVPI officials twice.

But no contract had been signed.

“They just told me that they’re interested, but I haven’t signed any contract,” he said.

A product of Far Eastern University, de Jesus is regarded as a no non-sense coach who puts special premium on discipline.

Under him, the De La Salle University won 10 University Athletic Association of the Philippines titles while F2 Logistics clinched a pair of crowns in the PSL.

But more than that, he is the last mentor to pilot the national squad to a podium finish when he stood as coached stars like Joan Botor-Carpio, Tina Salak, Michelle Carolino, Maureen Penetrante, Shermaine Penano, Cherry Macatangay and Roxanne Pimentel in the 23rd Southeast Asian Games 13 years ago.

“It’s heartwarming to be considered for the national team,” he said, adding that coming to terms with the national federation entails a lot of pressure and expectations.

“I’ve been there (national team) before so I know the pressure. There are nights that you would have hard time sleeping because you’re thinking how to survive every game. So it’s really heartwarming knowing that a lot of people appreciate what I’m doing.”

In a previous statement, Cayco, who was tasked to oversee the national team program, said they are set to reveal the name of the new national team mentor in the next few days.

He, however, refused to confirm or deny if de Jesus is the frontrunner.

“We’re still in the process of evaluation with the selection committee of LVPI,” he said. “We’ll know in the next few days.”

The LVPI set a one-day tryout on Friday at the Arellano University gym Legarda campus.

With barely three days left before that fateful day, there’s no word if de Jesus will preside it.

“If you see me in the tryout on Friday, it means that I’m the national team head coach,” de Jesus said.