WIN IN LIFE, TOO
PLDT coach Rald Ricafort’s post-game talk wasn’t just about the High Speed Hitters’ rise from heartbreaks to winning back-to-back PVL titles.
It was bigger than any of their two championship trophies that they earned from sweeping a total of 13 games to rule the PVL on Tour and Invitational.
Moments after their title-clinching 21-25, 31-29, 25-22, 25-18 victory over Japan’s Kobe Shinwa University on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum, Ricafort told his players inside the locker room to “not be afraid sharing their blessings to others” and “don’t be a one-day millionaire.”
Save for your future.
“The kind of opportunity and experience we’re having right now also comes with a lot of responsibility. What’s even harder is if we don’t handle it the right way. That’s why it’s so important to always be reminded to stay humble and grateful,” Ricafort told the Inquirer in Filipino.
Ricafort also preached things bigger than volleyball, like the struggle of Filipinos, especially during calamities.
“Honestly, there are so many people outside of volleyball going through even tougher hardships, especially now with all the storms hitting again. That’s why we also want to pass on the belief that when blessings come your way, don’t hesitate to give back,” the PLDT coach went on.
Feet on the ground
“It’s like those times when we were at our lowest. So many people still encouraged us and supported us.”
Finals MVP and five-time Best Libero Kath Arado relished the lessons from their coaches, who always keep their feet on the ground.
“Since Coach Rald and the others started coaching me, their advice like that has always been part of what they teach us. And it’s been a big help, not just as an athlete, but as a person, too. They constantly remind us to stay humble and to always be grateful for everything we receive, whether it’s big or small,” Arado said.
“As one of his players, I’m really thankful to coach, because aside from improving my skills, I’ve also grown in terms of attitude, especially in learning how to take care of the things we work hard for.”
With PLDT’s second straight championship, Ricafort is now the second-winningest coach after the seven-time Creamline champion coach Sherwin Meneses, tying the former Cool Smashers tactician Tai Bundit’s three titles.
Ricafort, who won his first with Petro Gazz in the 2022 Reinforced Conference before transferring to PLDT the next season, was grateful for his achievement, but his biggest fulfillment was seeing his players rise from adversities and reach the top.
‘Real fulfillment’
“I’m really happy, especially for the players, because what they went through since last year was so tough. I’m proud of them for using that as fuel instead of letting it bring them down,” said Ricafort.
“The real fulfillment has always come from seeing the players bounce back like Kim (Fajardo) and Majoy (Baron), who had injuries before, and then Kianna (Dy), who was able to return and play again. And now with Alleiah (Malaluan), even as a rookie, seeing her get the chance to shine in the pros. That’s what really makes me proud.”
“It’s also been a rollercoaster for Sav. She’s incredibly hardworking, but being far from her family has been a real challenge for her. Since she arrived here last year, she’s grown so much, not just in her game, but also in her maturity, on and off the court. I really hope her progress continues,” added the PLDT coach of the Invitational MVP Savi Davison’s rise.
