Back from Alas stint, Alinsunurin hopeful with more aces up his sleeve
Inspired by a rare taste of success on the global stage with Alas Pilipinas, Dante Alinsunurin returns to club action with Choco Mucho in the PVL Reinforced Conference, armed with fresh lessons and renewed fire.
Alinsunurin, part of Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni’s staff during the Philippines’ historic 19th-place finish in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, still carries the emotional high of that campaign. The national team stunned African champion Egypt and pushed powerhouse Iran to five sets, falling just short of a round-of-16 berth.
“It was an incredible experience,” said Alinsunurin. “You could really see how much our team has improved. We showed we belong on the world stage.”
Seven of the 14 players on that team were his current or former athletes from National University—a source of pride for the coach who led the men’s national team to a silver medal in the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
As he shifts his focus back to the PVL, Alinsunurin brings with him a key takeaway from the global stage: discipline.
“That’s what stood out. Discipline in everything—not just training, but in how we eat, how we live daily. It has to come from the heart,” he said. “That kind of consistency makes it easier to reach your goals.”
With Choco Mucho aiming to break through after back-to-back runner-up finishes in the 2023 and 2024 All-Filipino Conferences, Alinsunurin is buoyed by the return of key players. The only notable absence is Sisi Rondina, who is preparing for the SEA Games in Thailand with the beach volleyball squad.
“I’m really happy a lot of our players are back,” he said. “Some couldn’t play last conference, but now they’re ready. It feels great seeing more teammates at practice.”
Maddie Madayag returns from a stint in Japan, Kat Tolentino is back in training and top draft pick and Alas Pilipinas setter Tia Andaya is set to debut, working alongside Deanna Wong to set up hitters like Isa Molde, Des Cheng, Royse Tubino, Cherry Nunag and rookies Ayesha Juegos and Jen Villegas.
“I’m thankful Kat and Maddie are both back, and Tia is showing promise,” Alinsunurin said. “Every time I come to training now, I feel more confident about where we’re headed. Having more players gives us options and energy.”
He also praised American import Marlee Smith’s quick adjustment and team-first mindset. “She’s doing well—very coachable and even suggests ideas to help the team,” he added.
