Fatherly instinct kicks in as Oliver Almadro rushes to Isa Molde’s side after injury

MANILA, Philippines—Oliver Almadro is popularly known as Ateneo’s head coach who is trying to bring the success of the men’s program to the women’s team that’s searching for its first championship since 2015.

Constantly barking orders from the sidelines, it might look like Almadro is all business but that is now always the case.

Almadro, who has three children, showed his fatherly side when University of the Philippines star Isa Molde injured her left ankle on Saturday while playing against his Lady Eagles in UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament.

READ: Lady Maroons’ top hitter Isa Molde injures knee

As Molde laid down on the mat early in the second set, Almadro was one of the first people to rush to her aid and the Ateneo mentor said it was just his paternal instinct that kicked in when he cared for the Lady Maroon.

“I really try to take care of my players and I act as a father to them and I’d be the first to suffer any pain if anything bad happens to them,” said Almadro in Filipino after the Lady Eagles’ 25-23, 25-16, 25-23 win. “We all know these kids and I always pray for their safety and of course for all the players here in the UAAP.”

READ: Sigh of relief: No serious injury for UP hitter Isa Molde

“I said a short prayer for her and it will ease up the negative vibes. I want to help even in the smallest way possible.”

Almadro, whose Lady Eagles improved to a league-best 8-1 record, added that he wants nothing but a quick recovery for Molde who was rushed to Philippine General Hospital after the game.

“We always pray for the safety of everyone, the safety of the team, and the recovery of Isa and of course the safety of all UAAP players.”