University of the East has signed Jerry Yee as the new head coach of the women’s volleyball team ahead of UAAP Season 86.
Two weeks after he was released by Adamson, the seasoned volleyball coach has found his new home at the the Lady Red Warriors camp where he will try to bring his winning culture.
Yee is set to coach his third UAAP team after calling the shots for the University of the Philippines in Seasons 78 and 79 and Adamson since last year, leading both teams to breakthrough Final Four appearances.
The two-time NCAA champion coach of the College of Saint Benilde Lady Blazers is replacing Jumbo Dimaculangan, who handled the Lady Red Warriors for the past two seasons where he only got one win each.
“It is a privilege to have Coach Jerry Yee as our head coach. Coach Jerry’s reputation and experience in the field of volleyball are well-known. With his extensive knowledge and expertise, there is no doubt that his leadership will steer the team in a new direction,” said the new team manager Jared, son of sports patron Frank Lao, who also supports the programs of CSB and Letran High School.
Yee parted ways with Adamson after signing with the new Premier Volleyball League club Farm Fresh despite ending the Lady Falcons’ nine-year Final Four drought with a 10-4 elimination record before losing to the twice-to-beat National University Lady Bulldogs in the semifinals. Adamson finished bronze.
The Lady Red Warriors haven’t reached the Final Four since 2007 when Sue Roces led the team to a third-place finish.
Meanwhile, UE also appointed a new boys’ basketball coach Karl Santos, who will be replacing Ronnie Dojillo.
Santos was the former coach of La Salle Green Hills, which he led to a Final Four finish in NCAA Season 95. He also serves as an assistant coach for PBA team Converge.
“Our first goal is to change the environment. We need to cultivate a competitive spirit and set high standards for these players because we aspire to establish a winning culture. Although we are a new team, our aim remains the championship,” Santos said.
The Junior Warriors last made a semi-final appearance in UAAP Season 64 and ended up in sixth place in the previous season with a 3-11 record.
Lao, the team manager of both teams, is eager to build a winning culture for the two programs.
“I am incredibly grateful to the UE community for welcoming our group with open arms. I am also thrilled about the opportunity to work with this exceptional group of coaches. UE is widely recognized for having one of the best basketball and volleyball programs in the Philippines,” Lao said. “With that being said, our aim is to restore the glory days of the Red Warriors. We are excited to contribute to the development of young basketball and volleyball players, helping them gradually achieve their dreams.”
“Like our other teams, we strive for excellence and aim to foster a championship culture. While victories are important, our goals extend beyond that. We want to help develop our players into not only outstanding athletes but also remarkable individuals who positively contribute to the community,” he added.
UE will host the UAAP Season 86 starting in September.
