Alinsunurin returns to national squad; Retamar eyes roster spot

Former national team setter Joshua Retamar hopes to be setting plays for the men’s squad in the World Championships. —UAAP MEDIA

The road to Philippine volleyball’s future began with patching up the cracks of the past.

Coach Dante Alinsunurin has returned to the national team’s coaching staff and Joshua Retamar, the player who once alleged a “lack of support” for the men’s squad is looking forward to showing his all in auditions for coveted roster spots.

“I’m thankful because no matter what happend [in the past] I was given a chance to serve the men’s national team,” said Alinsunurin, who was previously removed as coach of the men’s team purportedly because of his many conflicting duties, on Tuesday.

Alinsunurin, who was juggling coaching duties with his club team and varsity squad, was appointed as part of the coaching staff of national mentor Sergio Veloso ahead of the country’s hosting and participation in the 2025 FIVB (International Volleyball Federation) Volleyball Men’s World Championship.

“I’m so happy to return to this position,” Alinsunurin added.

Alinsunurin and assistant coach Odjie Mamon will backstop Veloso in overseeing the 25-man pool for the 2025 tournaments including the World Championship from Sept. 12 to Sept. 28 next year at Mall of Asia Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Among those who will join the pool is Retamar, who accepted the federation’s invitation to try out for the men’s volleyball pool.

“I am so happy to be invited again,” Retamar told reporters also on Tuesday at the sidelines of the launch of the country’s World Championship hosting. “I’ve really prepared myself to make the [national team] lineup.”

Retamar, the main setter of the Nationals when they won the 2019 Southeast Asian Games silver medal under Alinsunurin’s guidance, said he won’t take the opportunity for granted.

“I’m ready right now and if the trust of the coaches in me is still there, who am I to turn down the chance to try out and compete for the country,” the National University star said.

Retamar said the chance to play against the world’s best teams will also elevate the men’s game and the sport in general in the country.

“I’m so happy [that the Philippines will host the event] because a lot of kids will enjoy the tournament,” he said. “But of course, [the national players] will be the first to feel the joy because we have the chance to play against our idols. This doesn’t happen often.” INQ