Coach Koji teaching Foxies to think like true contenders
Japanese champion coach Koji Tsuzurabara wants to change the mindset of the Farm Fresh Foxies, who have been full of potential for the past conference but haven’t contended yet in the PVL semifinals.
“Top Four. If they want to be in the top class, they need to change [the way they think],” said Tsuzurabara after steering the Foxies to a 2-2 record after a 25-14, 25-18, 25-18 sweep of ZUS Coffee in the 2026 All-Filipino Conference on Saturday at FilOil Centre in San Juan City.
Jolina Dela Cruz has bought into that.
Dela Cruz has stepped up in the past two games to help her team recover from a 0-2 start this conference, embracing the changes that Tsuzurabara has brought since he came back after steering Petro Gazz to an All-Filipino title last year.
“I think what Coach Koji keeps teaching us, especially about changing our mindset, has really helped,” said Dela Cruz, who scored 13 points.“He always talks about our character as a team. Farm Fresh has always been seen as a team with potential, but he wants us to change that attitude inside the court.”
“We understand why he gets mad when we commit small mistakes that shouldn’t happen. That mentality he’s instilling in us really helps. He doesn’t let up in training, and that discipline has been good for us,” she added.
Dela Cruz continues to shine under Tsuzurabara amid the loaded wing spiker rotation of Farm Fresh, composed of Trisha Tubu, Ces Molina, Ara Galang, Royse Tubino and Mylene Paat.
Challenge accepted
“A lot of big names came in, but Coach Koji is very fair when it comes to playing time. You really have to earn your spot. Every game, he adjusts depending on the system. No one’s spot is secure,” said the former La Salle star.
“The older players really help us, especially in training. There’s healthy competition among us. Nothing is guaranteed, so every training and every game, you have to prove that you deserve your spot.”
Dela Cruz accepts the challenge to unlock their full potential at this conference and contend for a title.
“We need to pressure ourselves to become real contenders every conference. We all know how competitive the veteran players who joined are, and they really bring that fighting spirit,” she said. “As a team, we’re helping each other. We want Farm Fresh to grow step by step, and we trust Coach Koji’s system.”
