Foton names ex-Benilde player as new coach

MANILA, Philippines – An unheralded mentor will make his debut when Foton marches to the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference.

After parting ways with Rommel Abella in the middle of the Invitational Conference, the Tornadoes decided to tap Aaron Velez as its new mentor in the season-ending conference that fires off this October.

The former College of Saint Benilde stalwart formally took over and presided the training last Monday despite the absence of national pool members Jaja Santiago, Dindin Manabat, CJ Rosario and Maika Ortiz, who are all in Japan to train for the 18th Asian Games.

He said he’s embracing the challenge and is looking forward to steer the Tornadoes back on top following a disappointing finish in the previous conference.

“I am pressured, excited and challenged for this new opportunity,” said Velez, who handled Santiago in the previous UAAP women’s volleyball tournament after serving as deputy of Babes Castillo at National University.

Velez also led the NU girls’ team to four straight titles, an achievement that prompted him to barge in the coaching radar.

“I have to admit that there’s always pressure. But it all depends on the mindset and how you would handle it.”

At Foton, Velez will be handling a star-studded team.

Aside from the four national team stalwarts, the Tornadoes also have Gyzelle Sy, Ivy Perez, Jen Reyes, Shaya Adorador, Gen Casugod and Bea de Leon, who is tipped to suit up despite committing to play her fifth and final playing year for Ateneo de Manila University.

“I want to move forward and come up with good relationship with the players,” he said. “I believe that good training program, good performance and good outcome all start with good relationship. That’s what I’m planning to do.”

“And I will take it one set at a time.”