The Ateneo Blue Eagles will move forward in a new direction after head coach Sergio Veloso confirmed his departure, as the Blue Eagles finished the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Tournament in seventh place with a 2-12 record.
Veloso made the announcement following Ateneo’s loss to the FEU Lady Tamaraws at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, wrapping up a three-year stint marked by transition and rebuilding.
“This is my last season with Ateneo. I am leaving the Philippines. I will work as part of the FIVB program, and at this time, I am no longer with the PNVF [Philippine National Volleyball Federation]. This decision was not only for this season—it started last year when changes happened in the PNVF,” Veloso said.
Sergio Veloso Struggles to Build a Winning Culture
During Sergio Veloso’s tenure, the Blue Eagles compiled a 12-30 record, with their best finish coming in Season 86, where they placed fifth. Ateneo, however, struggled to keep pace in the following seasons, ending Season 88 with a 2-12 slate—its lowest finish in the Final Four era.
Despite the results, Veloso expressed confidence in the team’s potential moving forward.
“As I said in the other match, they just need more time because they are emotional. This is a good team with talented players, but they need time to improve emotionally because the level is there. We gave FEU a big fight, because if FEU lost this match, they would be out of the Final Four, so they also fought hard. I think it was a very good match, I think everybody enjoyed it,” he said.
“The most important thing now is how the players will use this experience to improve and play better next season.”
Veloso is set to transition to a role under the FIVB following changes within the PNVF.
“You can see that many players need more playing time, but also more strength because that is very important. If you want to play at a high level, small details can make a big difference. It is just an example of how small things can lead to big damage. I think if the Philippines continues on the right path, the improvement will continue,” he said.
Sergio Veloso Only Has Good Words for the Philippines
Looking back on his time in the country, Veloso highlighted the unique experience of coaching in the Philippines.
“When I think about the countries where I have worked around the world, I stayed here for three seasons, and if you ask me outside my country, outside Brazil, here in the Philippines, I think it is the best. The people are very similar to Brazil. I always say the Philippines is like Latin Asians because the country has a lot of Spanish-Latin influence, and I appreciate that a lot,” he said.
“When I started here three years ago, I could see that the Philippines has huge potential. Women’s volleyball is very big because it is one of the top sports in the country. There is so much potential here,” he added.
Sergio Veloso also expressed gratitude to the program and the relationships he built during his stay.
“I want to thank Ateneo and the PNVF for this opportunity to share my knowledge with my players—not only the girls, but also the national men’s team. I am very grateful,” he said.
“When I think about the end of my time here, I think of all the players and former players—AC [Miner], Lyann [De Guzman], Roma [Doromal]. They gave me nicknames and called me ‘dad.’ For me, that is very special, because it means I was able to connect with the players.”
