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Veteran volleyball coach Sammy Acaylar passes away

NCAA Season 99. University of Perpetual Help System DALTA men's volleyball coach Sammy Acaylar. (Photo: Angela Davocol)

Veteran volleyball coach Sinfronio "Sammy" Acaylar has passed away on Thursday. 

The University of Perpetual Help System DALTA announced his passing in a social media post.

"With heavy hearts, The University of Perpetual Help System DALTA mourn the passing of a beloved mentor, leader, and friend, Mr. Sinfronio "Sammy" Acaylar, who left us at the age of 65," the university said in a post.

In a statement, the university said Acaylar was the 'heart and soul' of its men's volleyball program.

"Coach Sammy was the architect of the dominance of the UPHSD Men’s Volleyball Team in the
NCAA. Under his tutelage, the UPHSD Men’s Volleyball Team ruled the NCAA as champions for
14 seasons, including the 2024 season. During these years, Coach Sammy was named Coach of
the Year." UPHSD said in a statement.

"Coach Sammy was not just coach of the UPHSD Men’s Volleyball Team, he was the heart and soul of the program. He was a beloved mentor and friend to some of the best men’s volleyball players in the country. With unwavering dedication and passion, Coach Sammy shaped and inspired countless lives.

"The Perpetualite family honors the life and contributions of Coach Sammy to our institution and we extend our deepest condolences to the family of Coach Sammy’s family for their loss. We pray for the eternal rest of his soul."

The NCAA also mourned the passing of Acaylar and Colegio de San Juan de Letran's track and field coach Narciso Dasigan.

"Their passion, dedication, and love for the sport have inspired countless student-athletes, coaches, and fans throughout their illustrious careers. Their legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of the NCAA community," the league said in a post.

As head coach of the Perpetual men's team, Acaylar steered the Altas to 14 men's volleyball titles, including two runs of four straight titles from 2011 to 2014 and in 2018, 2019, 2023, and 2024

He also handled teams from the University of the East and De La Salle University in the UAAP.

In the pros, Acaylar also recently handled the Savouge Spin Doctors in the Spikers' Turf and the Gerflor Defenders in the Premier Volleyball League.

Acaylar also handled the national team as he steered the men's squad to a bronze medal in the 1991 Southeast Asian Games. His last stint as national team coach was during the 2017 SEA Games.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News

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