Coach clamps down on volleyball team’s celebrity status

National team head coach Francis Vicente. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

KUALA LUMPUR—The big-name stars of women’s volleyball are just part of the entire Team Philippines here in the Southeast Asian Games.

Or at least that’s what coach Francis Vicente wants to make sure of his star-studded squad, which features the likes of team captain Mika Reyes, Alyssa Valdez, Aby Marano and Jaja Santiago.

“We are here as athletes, not as celebrities,” said Vicente of his wards, who are sought-after celebrities back home.

For one, Vicente collects smartphones of the players to force them to focus on the tournament. He also prohibited players from giving ambush interviews.

“We need the discipline and hard work,” said Vicente.

The Nationals showed both and much more as they demolished host Malaysia, 25-18, 25-11, 25-16 Thursday.

“Right now our morale is high but we also need consistency and the heart to win no matter what,” said Vicente.

A win by the Philippines over Vietnam would put it on top spot in the group and avoid Thailand in the crossover semifinals.