Farm Fresh's Jheck Dionela and AJ Jingco shared their fondest memories and lessons from coach Sammy Acaylar following his passing on Thursday, January 30.
The Philippine volleyball community continues to mourn the passing of decorated coach Sammy Acaylar, with former players expressing their deep gratitude for his impact on their careers.
Among them are Jheck Dionela and AJ Jingco, who shared heartfelt tributes to the late mentor.
For Dionela, Acaylar was more than just a coach—he was a guiding figure who played a crucial role in shaping her career. The veteran libero was under Acaylar during her first years in the Cignal HD Spikers as well as in the national team.
"Isa siya talaga sa coach na naniwala sa akin, at siya rin ‘yung nagdala sa akin sa Cignal noong 2013. Malaki ‘yung naging role niya sa career ko at naging coach din siya ng kuya ko sa Perpetual," Dionela told One Sports.
"Since high school, kilala ko na si coach Sammy. He’s very respected, at siyempre nalungkot ako when I heard the news. I hope ma-honor namin siya—kaming mga players na binago niya ang buhay,” she added.
One of the biggest lessons Dionela learned from Acaylar was loyalty—a trait he consistently displayed throughout his career.
"Kahit anong mangyari, despite sa lahat ng pinagdaanan namin ni coach Sammy, he made sure na lagi siyang nandiyan for me. Kapag may napupuntahan siyang team, hindi niya ako nakakalimutan," Dionela shared.
"Hanggang sa mga nakaraan, nag-uusap pa rin kami. Nagpapasalamat ako sa kanya, ‘Maraming salamat, coach, kasi never ka nakakalimot. Ang laki ng naging ambag mo sa career ko,’” she added.
[ALSO READ: Philippine volleyball community mourns passing of coach Sammy Acaylar]
When asked about her favorite memory with Acaylar, the 34-year-old libero pointed to her first year with Cignal, when she wanted to prove herself to him.
"Marami talaga eh, countless memories ko with coach Sammy. Pero siguro ‘yung first year ko sa Cignal, nung sinabi ko sa kanya na worth it ‘yung pagkakuha niya sa akin. Nag-champion kami, at super nag-thank you din siya sa akin na pinaunlakan ko ‘yung invitation niya na lumipat sa team,” said Dionela.
AJ Jingco, who played under Acaylar during his time with the Gerflor Defenders, credited her former mentor for making a lasting impression... even though they only worked together for a short time.
Despite facing wage issues with the Defenders, Jingco said Acaylar never wavered in supporting his players.
"He’s one of my first coaches here sa pro. So for sure, he really had a big impact on me and how I played. Even if he was just my coach for a short time, I really felt his presence during those times," Jingco said.
"Despite having problems with that previous team, he never gave up on us and was there to be with us through all those things."
One of the greatest lessons she took from Acaylar was staying humble and remembering one’s roots.
"He always reminds us to remember kung saan kami nanggaling, no matter kung gaano kataas na ‘yung naabot namin. He always reminds us to be true to ourselves dahil walang nagsisimula na nasa taas agad. Lahat pinaghihirapan para ma-earn ‘yung pwesto na ‘yun."
For Jingco, her fondest memory with Acaylar was during the PVL on Tour in Cagayan de Oro, where she truly got to know him as both a coach and a father figure.
"Doon talaga namin siya nakilala as a coach and father figure din, kasi siya din ‘yung nag-guide sa amin all throughout the tour and conference."
As Dionela and Jingco put it, Acaylar's lessons, guidance, and support will always be remembered—both in the sport and life.
@onesportsphl “MALAKI YUNG NAGING ROLE NIYA SA CAREER KO.” ???🩹 Farm Fresh Foxies' Jheck Dionela and AJ Jingco share how they are processing the news of their former coach Sammy Acaylar’s passing, along with some of their fondest memories and the advice they received from the late tactician. Dionela played under Acaylar for the Cignal HD Spikers in 2013, while Jingco was part of his Gerflor Defenders squad in 2023. | via Aivan Episcope/One Sports #OSOnTheSpot #PVL2025 #TheHeartofVolleyball #OneSports ? original sound - OneSportsPHL