National volley team looking to learn from Japanese coach anew

MANILA, Philippines – More than preparing for the 18th Asian Games, the two-week training of the national women’s volleyball team in Japan will also reunite it with prolific Japanese mentor Akiyoshi Kawamoto.

Kawamoto, the head coach of the Okayama Seagulls, is tipped to check on the progress of the Nationals when they meet again in the boot camp in Okayama starting August 5.

Kawamoto is such a special coach.

He was the mentor who whipped the Nationals to fighting condition when they were preparing for the 29th Southeast Asian Games and the AVC Asian Senior Championship last year.

The Philippines failed to hit its target, but through Kawamoto’s pointers, Dawn Macandili emerged as Asia’s second best libero, much to the delight of the local volleyball fans who are hoping to see the Nationals regain their once lofty status in the region.

“You can be a world-class libero,” he told Macandili at the final stretch of the four-day joint training.

“You just have to avoid your stiffness at the backline. Your stance should be bouncy so you can be more flexible in defending the floor.”

Unfortunately, Macandili couldn’t join the trip as she still has to attend to some pressing school matters.

Still, the Nationals will head to Japan with added firepower.

Last year’s stalwarts Frances Molina, Rhea Dimaculangan, Gen Casugod, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Jovelyn Gonzaga would not be joining this year’s trip, but Dindin Manabat, Mylene Paat, Majoy Baron and Cha Cruz-Behag would be around to learn from Kawamoto.

Jaja Santiago will also be there in what appears to be her final meeting with Kawamoto before suiting up for a Japanese club in the V.Premier League.

“I like your height and skills,” Kawamoto told Santiago in one of their scrimmages with the Seagulls last year.

“You just have to train hard to correct some mistakes in blocking and (floor) defense, but overall, you can be a very good player.”

Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas, Inc. vice president Peter Cayco is hopeful over the Nationals’ progress.

“I hope coach Kawamoto would see some improvements in our team,” said Cayco, the person in-charge of the national team program.

“The entire team is looking forward to learn from him again.”