Letran Lady Knights coach Mayeth Carolino is a champion—and part of the reason she is is her ability to get through her players.
After piloting the Lady Knights to their first NCAA women’s volleyball title since 1999, Mayeth Carolino reporters that she focused on giving her players “tiwala” and “malasakit”” in order to bounce back from their previous two finals losses.
“‘Yung tiwala sa mga bata at malasakit. Hindi lang basta ginagamit natin yung mga bata, alaga natin lahat. Kung may pain, may injury, pinapagamot na agad namin, pagamot agad sila,” she said.
Coincidentally, Mayeth Carolino was part of the Letran championship roster that last held the NCAA women’s volleyball trophy back in 1999.
Health Is Wealth for Mayeth Carolino and Letran
The rookie head coach added that the coaching staff had to deal with any injuries that might hinder the team.
“Ayokong nagsisinungaling sila, kasi mayroong bata na kapag tinanong, ‘masakit ba?’ ‘Hindi’ pero maga na pala. So ayaw namin ‘yun,” the one-time NCAA MVP said.
“Nag-usap kami, gusto magsabi ka agad para magamot agad ng maaga yung injury,” the 47-year-old tactician added.
Case in Point: Gia Maquilang
The best case in point of Mayeth Carolino and Letran’s approach to injury is Gia Maquilang.
The third-year outside hitter missed multiple weeks and was relegated to the sidelines early in the second phase of the elimination round due to a left knee injury.
But in Game 2 of Letran’s semifinal series against the San Beda Lady Red Spikers, Maquilang returned and played every game through to the finals.
“Sobrang saya kasi nandoon yung determinado talaga siya eh. Talagang gusto niya tumulong,” Carolino said of Maquilang and her timely return.
Despite that injury setback, Maquilang played a vital role in winning the title and was, on multiple occasions, the clear number one option on offense.
“Nandoon ‘yung pressure na pagdating niya sa loob kase matagal siyang nag-stop and then nasa taas ka na—then tinutulungan din namin siya na huwag i-pressure sarili niya,” she added.
In Game 1 of the finals, Maquilang had 18 points, 17 digs, and 13 receptions. In Game 2, despite the loss, she still put up 11 points. In the clincher, she delivered a stunning triple-double of 17 points, 17 receptions, and 13 digs.
That Maquilang returned to her fiery, productive form is certainly a credit to her hard work and passion. It is also a credit to coach Mayeth Carolino and the tiwala and malasakit she has given to her Lady Knights.
