Petro Gazz coach Oliver Almadro during a PVL game against Farm Fresh. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Coach Oliver Almadro accepted his fate after Ateneo replaced him with Brazilian mentor Sergio Veloso in the women’s volleyball program.
Almadro was relieved of his duties last July 3, a week after he said that he has yet to receive a call from Ateneo with regard to his future with the team.
“They announced that they have a new coach. They are going in a new direction and I wish Ateneo well in their future endeavors,” said Almadro after their straight-set win over Farm Fresh on Tuesday in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference.
Almadro bared he didn’t get a chance to meet his players but he is hoping the best for them including his new recruits led by Bacolod Tay Tung’s Katherine Cortez.
“I didn’t have a chance to talk to them. They didn’t have a chance to come to me and me, going to them. But it’s okay. They’re on the right track and in good hands,” Almadro said. “I hope and I’m sure that they will be going to Ateneo. Of course, Ateneo is one of the best schools. If they’ll be considering Ateneo as their education, I guess they are in the right school.”
“Wishing those new players luck. Good luck to them and their career with Ateneo,” he added.
Almadro ended his 10-year stint with Ateneo after handling the men’s program from 2013 to 2018 including a historic three-peat with Marck Espejo from 2015 to 2017.
Almadro was tasked to handle the women’s team in 2019 after Tai Bundit’s departure and delivered a UAAP Season 81 championship in his first season with Maddie Madayag, Kat Tolentino, and Bea De Leon.
His three-season stint ended with a 4-10 record in Season 85 as the Blue Eagles missed Final Four for the first time since 2009.
As of now, Almadro is focusing on the Angels’ Invitational stint including the third conference later this year.
He has yet to receive offers from other schools but he is open to helping another collegiate program.
“I’m staying put and focusing on Petro Gazz first. We will see how far will go this Invitational and prepare for the next conference,” Almadro said. “If there will be another opportunity, I guess it’s God’s will and I hope I can help wherever I go. We will do our job the best we can when there are opportunities.”