Nearly three decades into one of the most decorated coaching careers in Philippine collegiate volleyball, Ramil de Jesus still is not slowing down.
Fresh off steering the La Salle Lady Spikers to a dominant championship run in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, de Jesus admitted that retirement has crossed his mind, but his passion for coaching continues to outweigh thoughts of stepping away.
“Hindi naman permanente ’tong posisyon ko eh. Pinag-iisipan ko na rin ’yon, pero hangga’t pinagkakaloob sa taas, tanggapin lang natin kung kaya pa. Kung ,di naman kaya, edi magpahinga na,” said de Jesus after La Salle completed a 16-0 title sweep with a Finals victory over the NULady Bulldogs at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“Hopefully, makabalik kung pagkakaloob sa taas na malakas tayo,” he added regarding a possible return for Season 89.
Ramil de Jesus, Legendary Mentor
The Season 88 title marked Ramil de Jesus’s 13th UAAP women’s volleyball championship, adding to a legacy that has already produced nine runner-up finishes and two bronze medals across 26 seasons at the helm of the Lady Spikers.
But for the veteran tactician, the motivation has never been centered on trophies alone.
Even during difficult stretches—including periods when he was ill during Season 84—Ramil de Jesus remained deeply involved with the program, continuing to guide practices and even visiting former La Salle players competing in the professional ranks.
He also credited mentors Emil Lontoc and the late Kid Santos for shaping the coaching philosophy that continues to define his career today.
“Actually, ano, kahit siguro may sakit ako, parang pag nakita ko ‘yung bata na may potential, hindi ako puwedeng hindi ko siya pakialaman or hindi ko siya maturuan,” de Jesus shared.
“Parang pag nakita ko na, kahit medyo mabigat ang pakiramdam ko sa training, pag nakita ko ‘yung bata na medyo mali yung ginagawa, talagang pupuntahan ko ’yon, papakialaman ko ’yon kahit na… Hindi ko mapalampas na hindi ko siya matulungan man lang or mabigyan ng kahit anong tip,” he continued.
“Tingin ko ’yon ang tinatawag na passion eh. Ayun ako eh.”
Ramil de Jesus Isn’t Stopping Just Yet
Under De Jesus, La Salle once again reaffirmed its place among the UAAP’s premier programs after ending a three-year title drought with one of the most dominant campaigns in league history.
And despite already cementing his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats, de Jesus made it clear that as long as he still can, he intends to keep building the next generation of Lady Spikers.
