Soriano admits she’s still adjusting as Bali Pure playing-coach

Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Charo Soriano admitted she had a hard time adjusting to her role as playing-coach of Bali Pure in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Open Conference.

The former Ateneo star shared the things she had to deal with, as the Purest Water Defenders fell to Philippine Air Force in four sets in their debut.

“It was different because I had to play but then again, I had to think about timeouts and substitutions,” said Soriano.

Fortunately for Soriano, she had Alexa Micek by her side as an assistant, helping her with the adjustments through the course of the game.

Still, the middle blocker-turned-mentor said it helps that she’s already used to coaching the same players, making the job a tad bit easier.

“I have coached these girls before and they’re not very hard to coach. They listen well and they’re very good players. I don’t think that’s going to be an issue,” she said.

However, Soriano’s main concern is on Bali Pure’s pre-game preparations, saying that the players’ prior commitments have been a problem in finding a common ground when it comes to team practices.

“What we need now is to find a common time to train because this team was formed late. People have prior commitments but were trying to manage that and find a common time to train so that well be able to jell on the court. Sayang din naman because the lineup is good,” she said.

Soriano is also looking forward to the return Alyssa Valdez and Grethcel Soltones, after the two’s European volleyball tour, as early as next Monday.

“They will be back this week, but there’s going to be an issue with the training. I’m also scared of them suiting up and just play. We’ll see,” she said.