The adage “Two heads are better than one” is seemingly working for the Letran Lady Knights, who appear to be benefiting from the combined knowledge and experience of head coach Mayeth Carolino and assistant coach Aleksi Lahteenmaki.
This coaching setup, in fact, has helped Letran book a third straight finals appearance after turning back the San Beda Lady Red Spikers in Game 3 of their semis showdown in the NCAA Season 101 Women’s Volleyball Tournament. After that challenging do-or-die match, Carolino discussed with Rebanse the coaching dynamic between her and Lahteenmaki.
“Tulungan kami. Ang bilis naman, mabilis din naman mag-adjust ang coaching staff,” Carolino shared in an exclusive interview with Rebanse. “Kasi siya [Aleksi], kahit na ako ang nakatayo, pero kapag nag-uusap naman kami, nag-a-adjust naman kami kung sino ang gusto naming tao na ipapasok. Pinag-uusapan namin lagi ng coaching staff.”
A Coaching Debut to Be Remembered for Carolino and Lahteenmaki
Both Carolino and Lahteenmaki made their coaching debut in the NCAA this season. Yet their first year together has proven quite memorable already. The duo etched their names in NCAA women’s volleyball history after leading the Lady Knights to a 15-game winning streak—13 wins in the eliminations, 1 in the quarters, and Game 1 of the Final Four. San Beda snapped the streak in Game 2.
For Carolino, herself a former Lady Knight with two championships, Letran will need to focus and stay together to punctuate with a title what has been a sensational season so far.
“Focus lang kami. Stay together and focused ang bawat isa sa amin. Paghahandaan talaga namin ‘yung championship,” said Carolino.
The Lady Knights will need to be laser-focused because on the opposite side are the five-peat-seeking Benilde Lady Blazers. The squad from Taft has gotten Letran’s number in Seasons 99 and 100, and will be looking to break the Lady Knights’ hearts once more. And that’s why Carolino and Lahteenmaki will have their work cut out for them.
The NCAA Season 101 Women’s Volleyball Tournament starts on Sunday, April 5.
