MANILA, Philippines—Veteran setter Rubie de Leon will serve as one of Sta. Lucia’s coaches for the remainder of the year, the team announced Wednesday.
Nursing a minor injury, De Leon said she would be able to help the Lady Realtors more especially the setters as part of the coaching staff.
“The team is adjusting. We are going to try a new strategy with the new coaching staff. With this, I think I’ll be able to contribute more to the team by guiding them especially the setters,” de Leon said in Filipino.
“I also have a minor injury. I won’t share what it is but it’s just minor,” she added. “I won’t be able to train heavily that’s why we needed to make adjustments.”
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The 41-year-old de Leon also cleared that her new role as assistant isn’t an indication of retirement plans.
Sta. Lucia finished fifth in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference, the league’s first since turning pro, last August.
Earlier this month, the Lady Realtors named a new head coach in Edgar Barroga, who replaced Eddieson Orcullo.
“I wouldn’t say it’s retirement, just more on recalibration. Rest and observe while at the same time helping Sta. Lucia as one of the coaches,” the former national team member said. “We’re not yet ready for retirement.”
“If I’m going to retire, I want to do it on my own terms,” she said. “When the right time comes. It comes for all athletes and my time to retire will also come. ButI will take my time. I decide when.”