Sinfronio “Sammy” Acaylar has very well carved an indelible memory into many a player he has taught and nurtured in his decorated journey as volleyball coach.
Amidst the sadness, words of appreciation and respect poured in after mentees learned of the veteran tactician’s passing on Thursday, January 30, 2025.
The University of Perpetual Help System DALTA shared the news 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.
Considered as the architect of Perpetual’s dominance in the NCAA men’s volleyball, the Cagayan de Oro native steered the Altas to 14 championships. During these years, he was named Coach of the Year.
He also called the shots for the national team in the Southeast Asian Games multiple times and led the team to a bronze medal finish in 1991.
According to reigning NCAA men’s volleyball MVP Louie Ramirez, Acaylar was more than just a coach for most of his wards, especially to those coming from the provinces.
“My fondest memory with coach Sammy is yung pinagluluto namin sya ng dinner tapos sabay-sabay kami kumain na mga players… nagkukwentuhan about sa nakaraan niya, about sa mga nangyari sa buhay niya. Siguro isa pa yung siya nagsilbing tatay ko dito sa Perpetual,” he shared to GMA Regional TV News.
“Memorized ko na nga lahat ng mga kwento niya about sa kanya,” Ramirez added in jest.
Acaylar recruited the 6-foot-3 outside hitter way back in 2018 after Ramirez’ strong showing in Palarong Pambansa in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
“Tinuruan niya kami paano tumayo sa sarili naming mga paa. Sobrang dami kong natutunan mula sa kanya, hindi lang sa volleyball, pati na rin sa totoong buhay… kung hindi dahil sa kanya, hindi ko maabot kung anong meron ako ngayon,” he said.
Ramirez’s former teammate, John Philip Pepito, who was also part of Perpetual’s historic four-peat squad, will not forget how the team bonded off the court.
“Aside from every day training with Coach Sam, one of the fondest memories namin is to have karaoke or movie marathon sa kwarto nya lalo pag walang training kinabukasan. Ta’s every Sunday after church, kumakain kami buong ng team,” Pepito shared.
He said Acaylar instilled in them the importance of positivity and optimism in every situation.
“Si coach, matalak talaga yan, masasaktan ka talaga sa mga sasabihin niya pero hindi niya gustong saktan ka emotionally, pinapagalitan niya kami kasi he wanted us to wake up and refocus on the things that we can control and that is to find ways to regain strength and remain optimistic in times of difficulties,” he said.
Meanwhile, former Philippine men's volleyball team captain and NCAA analyst John Vic De Guzman took to social media to remember the veteran coach.
“Naaalala ko nung una kitang nakaharap sa NCAA, gustong-gusto kitang talunin dahil ang dami mo nang championships. Alam na alam kong ayaw mong magpatalo kaya sinusungitan mo ako kada magkakatapat tayo sa volleyball court,” he wrote.
De Guzman led the Benilde Blazers in his final year, winning the men's volleyball title in NCAA Season 92 where he was also named MVP and first best opposite spiker.
Not long after, the two rivals became allies when Acaylar entrusted De Guzman to lead the national team in the 2017 Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
“From being rivals, you became a good coach, friend, mentor and parent to the volleyball players you handled. One of the legends of Philippine Volleyball! Saludo kami sayo lahat. We love you coach Sam!” De Guzman added.
Yet Acaylar’s contribution to volleyball even extended to the women’s side having helped several players fulfill their dream of playing on the big stage.
One of these players is former Lady Altas Krisha Cordero, a native of Bacolod City.
“Forever indebted to you, Coach. Thank you for making my NCAA dream a reality,” she posted on social media.
Cordero shared how Acaylar lent a hand to bring her to Manila.
“Pumunta po kasi si Coach Sam sa school po namin sa Bacolod way back senior high school palang po ako, ni-recommend ako ng coach ko sa kaniya and natanggap naman… siya din nag-arrange ng flight ko pa Manila and introduced me to Coach Maki (Cariño), without him wala po talaga ako sa Perps.” she said.
From sets to sing along, there are more stories yet to be told about Acaylar but it is safe to say that many of those will help paint a picture of how he has contributed to the rise of volleyball in the Philippines — whether in developing players, in winning championships, or simply in being a father figure to those who dared to dream to play volleyball.