Embattled UE volleyball regroups, adds Japanese deputy, player to coaching staff

Source: Rappler
Author: Jasmine Payo

MANILA, Philippines - University of the East looks to move on from the controversial suspension of women's volleyball coach Jerry Yee by beefing up its coaching staff.

The Lady Warriors tapped Kurashiki Ablaze assistant coach Shota Sato as consultant and opposite spiker Asaka Tamaru as deputy, the team announced on Friday, March 8.

"With coach Jerry temporarily away, they take the reins, and the players are excited," said UE team manager Jared Lao. "As the saying goes, 'It ain't over 'til it's over,' and under their leadership, we're ready for the journey ahead."

The UAAP slapped Yee with a season-long suspension spanning three months for "conduct violative of the purposes" of the league, allegedly stemming from a contract dispute involving his former employer Adamson.

Yee maintained there was "no ethical breach" in his decision to move to UE, adding that the suspension was "uncalled for and there was no due process."

Sato served as assistant coach for Kurashiki Ablaze, the Japanese team that dominated the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference under mentor Hideo Suzuki.

Tamaru also impressed in her PVL stint, winning the First Best Opposite Spiker in the same conference.

The Lady Warriors' coaching staff of Obet Vital, Stephanie Cholico, Allan Mendoza, Ludio Dulce, Gregory Ericta, John Paul Martires, and Jelai Gajero welcomed Sato and Tamaru's addition to the squad.

Sato and Tamaru, who arrived in the Philippines on Thursday, March 7, will make their coaching debuts on Sunday, March 10, when the UE Lady Warriors battle National University Lady Bulldogs at the Mall of Asia Arena.