The USPF Lady Panthers together with new mentor Yolanda Rizarri (standing, left most) and trainor Malvin Cabriana (right most). (CONTRIBUTED)
THE UNIVERSITY of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) will have a new coach when it competes in the next season of the Cesafi volleyball tournament this year.
Yolanda Rizarri will now call the shots for the Panthers as she replaces 26-year-old Apple Eve Saraum, who stepped down last month to pursue her career as a policewoman.
The Lady Panthers haven’t won a title since 2011 when they won the women’s beach volleyball crown. After that, it was all downhill as they failed to make the finals in both the indoor and beach volleyball competitions in the past six years.
But that might change with Rizarri on board.
Rizarri, a former player of legendary Southwestern University mentor Thelma Datig and teammate of four-time Southeast Asian Games (SEA) medalist Grace Antigua, looks to bring a winning attitude to a Lady Panthers team that is in need of veteran presence.
“USPF is brimming with smart, young and amazing athletes. I have some big shoes to fill but I am confident in my girls and the direction we are going in our training,” Rizarri said.
Aside from the collegiate team, Rizarri will also be taking care of the coaching reigns of the USPF girls team, last year’s Cesafi beach volleyball runners up.
Rizarri, who has been living abroad for the past 34 years, returned to the country last year and was immediately hired by the USPF management.
She is no stranger to the sport as she has won numerous championships with the Lady Cobras during her storied collegiate career in the Cebu Amateur Athletic Association.
“First and foremost, my first love was volleyball,” Rizarri revealed. “Before meeting my husband, having my son Patrick in my life, sports in general has always been in my family bloodline and I want to share what the sport has taught me on and off the court. This isn’t my first rodeo in the athletic world. Nevertheless, I still get that excitement every single game we play.”