A familiar face returns to the Tigresses' lair.
Shaq Delos Santos officially joins head coach Kung Fu Reyes’ coaching staff in UST in hopes of strengthening the Growling Tigresses’ middle blocking presence for the upcoming UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament.
UST student publication The Varsitarian on Thursday announced Delos Santos would serve as a seasonal coach.
"Ngayong season, isa ako sa mga tutulong sa team and sobrang happy ako kasi nakabalik ulit ako sa UST," Delos Santos shared to The Varsitarian.
"Nakakamiss makapagturo ulit sa collegiate level kasi alam ko na sobrang mai-improve pa 'tong mga bata."
Delos Santos was the last UST coach to steer the squad to the women’s volleyball title way back in Season 72 after defeating DLSU.
He was also with the Season 86 squad when they went to Kurashiki, Japan to train.
Coach Shaq, who currently helms the Cignal HD Spikers in the PVL, emphasized how he would focus on the middle blockers.
And it makes sense, given how HD Spikers Riri Meneses and Roselyn Doria won Best Middle Blocker awards in the professional league.
He will now share his expertise to the Golden Tigresses bannered by team captain Bernadett Pepito, Regina Jurado, and Cassie Carballo.
[ALSO READ: UAAP Season 86 preview: Dawn of new era as UST leans on young stars to deliver long-awaited title]
The UST Golden Tigresses will start round 1 of UAAP Season 86 against the NU Lady Bulldogs on February 18, Sunday, 4 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena.
It will be aired on One Sports, the UAAP Varsity Channel, and the Pilipinas Live app.