Alas Pilipinas girls coach Taka Minowa.–Photo from SMM Volleybal
MANILA, Philippines — New Alas Pilipinas girls coach Taka Minowa believes providing more international exposure to the country’s grassroots program is crucial to the development of Philippine volleyball.
The Japanese coach, who was tasked to handle the youth team, is eager to help young Filipino players tap into their full potential beginning in the ongoing 22nd Princess Cup Southeast Asian Under-18 Women’s Volleyball Championship and the upcoming Asian Women’s U18 Volleyball Championship from June 16 to 23 both happening in Thailand.
Minowa stressed the importance of developing a young national team, saying that competing internationally as frequently as possible could eventually lead to Philippine volleyball improving its standing in Asia and finally reaching the Olympics.
READ: Alas Pilipinas girls rip Singapore to open Thailand U18 tilt
“Our goal is to assess the level of Asian volleyball and gain experience playing volleyball while representing our country with pride,” Minowa told Inquirer Sports.
“This is the initial step in strategizing how we can reach the top tier of Asian volleyball and eventually compete in the Olympics.”
Minowa, the husband of former national team star Jaja Santiago, had a winning debut as Alas u18 coach after demolishing Singapore, 25-14, 25-6, 25-12, in the Princess Cup opener on Saturday in Thailand
The Akari coach is calling the shots for a young team composed of University of Santo Tomas stars Kimberly Rubin, Jaila Adrao, Maile Salang, Aneeza Santos, Lianne Penuliar, Avril Bron, and Chasliey Pepito, as well as National University-Nazareth School standouts Denesse Daylisan, Akeyla Bartolabac, Harlyn Serneche, and Bubay Belen as well as Samarah Gillian Marzan of La Salle-Zobel and Ashley Macalinao of Kings’ Montessori School.
READ: Alas Pilipinas girls set for two U18 tournaments
“I am looking forward to working with this talented group of individuals and helping them reach their full potential on the court,” he said.
Minowa is honored to handle the girls’ team after the appointment of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, led by president Tats Suzara, and Akari, which backed his squad in their two international tournaments.
The PVL coach is tempering his expectations as they are just getting started but he knows that he has a competitive team, who will fight every game for the country’s pride.
“[I expect] to instill a sense of pride in the players who have the privilege of representing the national team,” said Minowa. “I don’t expect too much from these young girls but for now, I want to show and share my coaching program and hopefully, eventually they will learn and adapt it.”