Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses already bagged his first trophy with the NU Lady Bulldogs in the 2024 Shakey's Super League Championship.
It’s safe to say that National University’s volleyball program is in safe hands, both in the men’s or women’s team.
Months ago, the NU Lady Bulldogs decided to tap Creamline Cool Smashers head coach Sherwin Meneses as their new tactician heading into UAAP Season 87.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: Sherwin Meneses excited to steer NU Lady Bulldogs in title defense for Season 87]
With all the championship experience in the PVL, Meneses seemed like a perfect fit for the defending champions led by superstars Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon.
In just his second tournament with NU, the grand slam coach already brought home a title with the Lady Bulldogs--winning the 2024 Shakey's Super League Championship.
[ALSO READ: Manila-Candon round trip: Creamline coach Meneses heads back home for NU duties in SSL]
Before this, the Jhocson-based squad, under the banner of Monolith Skyrisers, competed in the 2024 Asian Women’s Club Volleyball Championship in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
The Skyrisers would finish sixth in the tournament, battling against some of the top teams in Asia.
But even before all of his early accomplishments with the Lady Bulldogs, there was one individual who was proud to see him under NU—his “kumpare” Dante Alinsunurin, head coach of the Choco Mucho Flying Titans and the NU Bulldogs.
Alinsunurin and Meneses had been teammates back when they played for the Adamson Soaring Falcons.
But now the two are guiding arguably the two most popular teams in Philippine volleyball.
“Sobrang proud ako sa kumpare ko na 'yun, kasi teammate ko pa lang [nung] college, talagang sobrang competitive sa bawat isa,” Alinsunurin told One Sports during the 2024 PVL Media Day.
Despite going their separate ways, the bond shared between Alinsunurin and Meneses remains as the two continue to help each other out in any way they can.
“Sa national team, sabi ko nga, sobrang naging maganda sitwasyon kasi anytime na kailangan ko ‘yung mga bagay na ano, nandiyan siya and puwede kami mag-usap. Ano pa ‘yung matulong namin sa isa’ isa gagawin namin para maging mas successful kami,” said Alinsunurin.
Both the NU men’s and women’s volleyball teams will go for another title in Season 87. And with Alinsunurin and Meneses leading the way, the chase for the double gold will definitely be in the cards.