PLDT taps Rald Ricafort as new head coach, Arnold Laniog as lead assistant

A few days after parting ways with George Pascua, the PLDT High Speed Hitters have found a new head coach in Rald Ricafort. 

The team announced on Wednesday that Ricafort will take over the coaching reins while Arnold Laniog will serve as lead assistant as PLDT looks to rebuild in the upcoming season of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL). 

Ricafort previously served as tactician for Petro Gazz which he steered to the 2022 PVL Reinforced Conference throne after sweeping Cignal in their title showdown behind import Lindsey Vander Weide and local stars Myla Pablo and Remy Palma.

Ricafort also wears a hat in the collegiate ranks as he is currently the head coach of University of the Philippines men's volleyball team and the deputy for the school's women's volleyball squad. 

"We at PLDT are excited to work with a young champion coach in Coach Rald," said PLDT/SMART Head of Sports Jude Turcuato in a statement. "We know he can guide our players to the next level.

Ricafort will replace Pascua at the helm after the veteran mentor parted ways with PLDT just last Monday.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News