Incoming NU coach Miguel says Dimaculangan still part of team

Norman Miguel takes over a National U squad that finished second to La Salle in the recent UAAP season. —UAAP MEDIA

The shock that reverberated following a coaching change at National University’s (NU) famed women’s volleyball program was cushioned a bit after newly-designated mentor Norman Miguel revealed that Karl Dimaculangan is still with the team and that he is excited to work hand-in-hand with the champion tactician in his return to the UAAP.

NU stunned the UAAP on Monday by announcing that Miguel is returning as the Lady Bulldogs’ coach after three years, replacing Dimaculangan, who brought the team to back-to-back Finals appearances including a perfect Season 84 title run that ended a 65-year title drought.

But Miguel told Inquirer Sports that Dimaculangan will continue to work with the team.

“Sir Bing (See Diet, NU team manager) called me and discussed with me [about coaching NU again]. Coach Karl will still be part of my staff and the current staff. I know that he can help me especially when we evaluate Season 85,” Miguel said.

Inquirer Sports sought Dimaculangan for confirmation and comment but he has yet to respond as of press time.

Miguel, who coached NU from 2019 to 2020 and assembled a combined 6-10 record, is planning to add his inputs to the current system of the Lady Bulldogs, which brought them back on top after six decades before they got dethroned by the La Salle Lady Spikers in the recent UAAP Finals.

“This time we’ll solidify it and [work] on the lapses, too,” he said. “I know that this is a huge responsibility but what’s important for me is that the direction that I want for my players is clear.”