The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) welcomed a new era for the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs as they officially appointed Sherwin Meneses as their head coach on Tuesday, October 1. Meneses, a proven and decorated volleyball tactician, is known for his numerous championships with the Creamline Cool Smashers in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) and his coaching excellence in various volleyball leagues in the Philippines.
This move signals a significant shift for the Lady Bulldogs, as Meneses' leadership is expected to take the team to new heights, building upon their previous success under former head coach Norman Miguel.
Sherwin Meneses is widely regarded as one of the top volleyball coaches in the country, particularly for his role with the Creamline Cool Smashers. His impressive résumé includes leading the team to multiple PVL titles, including the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational, Reinforced, and All-Filipino Conferences. These achievements highlight Meneses’ expertise in developing cohesive, winning teams. Under his leadership, Creamline became a volleyball powerhouse, dominating the local volleyball scene and solidifying their place as one of the best teams in the Philippines.
NU team manager Gelina Luceño on having PVL champion coach Sherwin Meneses. #ShakeysSuperLeague @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/k6lNfby7au
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) September 25, 2024
His crowning achievement came in 2024 when Creamline completed a historic Grand Slam in the PVL, becoming the first team in the league to win all three major titles in one season. This record-breaking accomplishment further cemented Meneses’ reputation as a top-tier coach, admired for his tactical knowledge and ability to bring out the best in his players.
His success with Creamline also speaks to his versatility as a coach, managing a team of superstars and navigating through various challenges, including player injuries and intense competition. His ability to adapt to different game situations and lead his team to victory in high-pressure scenarios has been one of the hallmarks of his coaching career.
Although Meneses has found immense success in the professional volleyball leagues, he is no stranger to the UAAP. He returns to the collegiate scene after previously serving as the head coach of the Adamson Lady Falcons during UAAP Season 78 in 2016. Meneses’ experience in the UAAP will be crucial in guiding the Lady Bulldogs, who are looking to maintain their dominant form after winning the UAAP Season 86 title.
As he takes the reins of the Lady Bulldogs, Meneses will be under pressure to replicate the success of Norman Miguel, the outgoing coach who led NU to their UAAP championship victory against the La Salle Lady Spikers in the finals. However, Meneses is no stranger to expectations and high-pressure environments. His track record with Creamline shows that he is more than capable of handling the demands of leading a top-tier team in competitive leagues.
The transition from Miguel to Meneses signals a new chapter for the Lady Bulldogs, but it’s one filled with excitement and optimism. Meneses inherits a team packed with talent, including two-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) Bella Belen, reigning Finals MVP Alyssa Solomon, former Best Setter Lams Lamina, and emerging stars such as Vange Alinsug and Arah Panique.
One of the key reasons for excitement surrounding Meneses’ appointment is the wealth of talent that the NU Lady Bulldogs possess. Bella Belen, the two-time MVP, is a dominant force on the court, known for her powerful spikes and all-around play. Alyssa Solomon, the reigning Finals MVP, has also established herself as one of the premier players in the UAAP. Her ability to deliver in crucial moments makes her a vital piece of the Lady Bulldogs' title defense efforts.
Lams Lamina, recognized as one of the top setters in collegiate volleyball, will also play a pivotal role in Meneses’ system. Her playmaking ability and court vision enable NU to execute well-coordinated plays, making her an indispensable asset to the team. With the addition of rising stars like Vange Alinsug and Arah Panique, the Lady Bulldogs are stacked with talent and potential.
Meneses’ challenge will be to harness this talent and continue building a championship-caliber team. His previous experience of managing star-studded rosters, such as Creamline, makes him well-suited for this task.
One of Meneses' greatest strengths is his ability to instill a winning mentality in his teams. His past successes have been built on creating a culture of hard work, discipline, and resilience, all of which will be essential for the Lady Bulldogs as they defend their UAAP title. His extensive coaching background, which spans professional and collegiate volleyball, will allow him to draw from various experiences to keep the Lady Bulldogs on the right path.
Meneses also emphasizes player development, another key aspect of his coaching philosophy. Throughout his career, he has nurtured individual talent, helping players reach their full potential. This focus on development is a perfect fit for the collegiate level, where players are still refining their skills and growing as athletes.
His ability to strike a balance between developing young players and competing for championships will be instrumental in his success with the Lady Bulldogs. NU fans can expect to see a team that plays with confidence, discipline, and a clear vision under Meneses’ guidance.
With Meneses now at the helm, the Lady Bulldogs face the challenge of defending their UAAP crown. Expectations will be high, but Meneses has proven time and again that he thrives under pressure. The transition from Norman Miguel to Sherwin Meneses may present some challenges, but the Lady Bulldogs are poised to remain a dominant force in the UAAP.
As the new head coach, Meneses will be tasked with ensuring that the Lady Bulldogs continue their winning ways while also developing their younger players. The upcoming UAAP season promises to be an exciting one, with fans eagerly anticipating how the team will perform under Meneses’ leadership.
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