Dante Alinsunurin has already built one of the greatest dynasties in UAAP Men’s Volleyball history, but for the longtime NU Bulldogs mentor, the Season 88 championship stands above the rest.
After steering NU to a historic sixth straight title in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Volleyball Tournament, Alinsunurin described the latest crown as both the toughest and most fulfilling championship run of his career.
“Yes, sobrang overwhelming ‘yung pagkakakuha namin ng championship kasi sa mga struggle namin between the first eliminations and sa second round eliminations talaga. And sobrang thankful ako kasi nag-respond ‘yung mga players namin sa hamon namin sa kanila. Sobrang thankful sa panalo na ’to,” Alinsunurin said.
The Bulldogs completed their six-peat after sweeping the FEU Tamaraws, 26-24, 25-22, 25-22, in Game 2 of the Finals at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Dante Alinsunurin Lauds Players for Overcoming Challenges
For Alinsunurin, however, the championship became more meaningful because of the challenges NU faced throughout the season.
The Bulldogs struggled through the elimination round and had to reintegrate national team standouts Leo Ordiales, Buds Buddin, Jade Disquitado, and Peng Taguibolos back into the system while competing in a highly competitive field.
“Ang pagkakaiba nito, alam mo, ‘yung ibang player namin ay galing sa mga bago, then ‘yung iba ay nasa national team. Pero masaya makita kung paano namin binuo ulit, kung paano maayos ‘yung samahan nila,” Alinsunurin expressed.
“Maayos yung ginawang proseso namin. Sabi ko sa mga coaches ko, kailangan naming pagkatiwalaan ‘yung proseso. Sobrang special nito kasi six-peat and sobrang daming struggle,” he added.
The Dante Alinsunurin Run of Excellence Continues
The Season 88 championship marked Dante Alinsunurin’s eighth UAAP title in eleven Finals appearances since taking over the NU program in 2010, further cementing his legacy as one of the league’s most accomplished coaches.
Still, the veteran tactician emphasized that the program’s long-term vision extends beyond championships.
“Siguro ‘yung… Kaya naman namin ginagawa ’to siguro sa mga player namin na gusto naming maabot ‘yung best nila sa—hindi lang sa national team, outside the country talaga. Kasi, dito naman talaga tumatakbo ‘yung program namin. Sabi ko, hindi lang talaga dito sa Pilipinas, dapat maging… Yung career nila mag-grow,” Alinsunurin shared.
“Sabi ko, mostly talaga, ang plan talaga namin is makapaglaro sila sa international. Kaya ayun, pinu-push lang namin yung sarili namin, nag-aaral, pumupunta sa mga training camps sa ibang bansa para at least makilala kami, ma-recognize kami. And kung ano man ‘yung matutunan namin, dinadala namin dito para pagdating sa international, lahat ng players ready.”
Dante Alinsunurin has already helped mold a handful of international-ready Bulldogs. It looks like he isn’t stopping anytime soon.
