UAAP: FEU parts ways with coach Tina Salak

FEU coach Tina Salak during a playoff against UST in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament, which turned out to be her final UAAP game for the Lady Tamaraws.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Far Eastern University has parted ways with women’s volleyball coach Tina Salak after three UAAP seasons.

FEU on Saturday bid goodbye to its former setter-turned-head coach Salak, who opted to focus on Akari in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).

READ: Tina Salak sees bright future for hungry Akari Chargers

“We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Coach Tina Salak for her outstanding leadership and commitment to the team over the past four seasons. Her dedication, passion, and tireless efforts have played a significant role in shaping our program and elevating our standards both on and off the field,” wrote the university.

“As she takes the next exciting step in her career and transitions into the professional ranks, we proudly support her journey and wish her continued success at the highest level of the sport. This is a well-deserved opportunity, and we are confident she will make a meaningful impact in the next chapter of her coaching career. We thank Coach Tina once again for everything she has given to the FEU volleyball program.”

Salak debuted as a head coach in the UAAP Season 85, steering FEU to a fifth-place finish with a 6-8 record.

The following year, she took a leave but remained hands-on, with deputy coach Manolo Refugia taking over and bringing back the Lady Tamaraws to the Final Four.

READ: UAAP: Female coaches Tina Salak, Diego win on International Women’s Day

The former national team setter returned last year and led FEU to a 9-5 finish in fourth place before falling short to eventual champion National University in the Final Four.

This season, the 49-year-old coach and her team missed out on the semifinals with an 8-6 record after losing in a playoff for No. 4 against University of Santo Tomas.

FEU has yet to announce a new head coach.

Gerz Petallo, Alyzza Devosora, Marga Encarnacion, and Jaz Ellarina, who is with the Alas Pilipinas pool with Cla Loresco, have committed to return next season.

Tin Ubaldo and Ann Asis, meanwhile, have already turned pro in the PVL.