Oliver Almadro is back home in Colegio de San Juan de Letran armed with a mission: bring back the winning culture in its volleyball program.
It has been more than 20 years since Letran won the title in women's volleyball, and more than a decade since its men's team won the crown.
With Almadro taking over the volleyball program with focus on the women's team, the champion coach is hoping to bring his wealth of experience to the Intramuros-based squad.
"Being a Letran alumnus, this is my school. Binabalik ko rin 'yung coaches na alumni. Sabi ko, ibalik natin 'yung winning culture ng Letran, and it will not [only] rely on me but the community also, the students, and alumni that would be helping us," Almadro told GMA News Online.
Almadro is no stranger to winning.
He steered the Ateneo Blue Eagles men's team to three straight titles from UAAP Seasons 77 to 79, and the women's team to another crown in Season 81.
Almadro is also no stranger to Letran as he donned its colors during his collegiate days as a volleyball player.
"I graduated from Letran 1998-99. I entered the varsity 1995, transferee ako. I worked my way up. I started with no scholarship. After a year, 25%, after a sem 50%, after a sem may dorm na, may 100% [scholarship] na. Mas maraming magagaling pa rin (There were other better players)," Almadro shared.
For the tactician, it was his fire to represent the Muralla crew that ignited his passion in playing the sport.
"Ang baon ko lang noon talaga is my desire, my passion, my eagerness to represent Letran. Hindi naman ako superstar noong araw, hindi ako 'yung reliable player noong araw, but I know for sure that I brought the fire to my teammates and I'm bringing it back to Letran. I'm committed to giving it back to Letran," added Almadro, who was a setter as a player back then.
(What I had then was my desire, passion, eagerness to represent Letran. I was not a superstar then. I'm not the reliable playe, but I know for sure that I brought the fire to my teammates and I'm bringing it back to Letran. I'm committed to giving it back to Letran.)
Being called by his alma mater is special for Almadro, but admitted he has a tough task ahead.
"For the longest time, I never saw this coming," Almadro said.
"Until last year I was awarded one of the 400 Men and Women of Letran, the Grandes Figuras. Importante rin pala 'yung achievement ko sa volleyball community, with the Letran community, then they got me to help the program.
"It's here, it will be a hard task, it will be a challenge, but it will always be a mission. We pray that the Lord will always guide us in this task," he added.
The women's team missed the Final Four as it finished with five wins and four losses in Season 98.
Aside from being a Letran coach, Almadro also handles the volleyball program of the University of the Philippines, where he is also the coach for the women's team.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
