Shaq is back: UAAP champ coach Delos Santos returns at UST women’s volleyball helm

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Shaq delos Santos, who steered UST's last UAAP women's volleyball championship team, returns to the Golden Tigresses as Kungfu Reyes transitions to a program director role

MANILA, Philippines – Cesael “Shaq” delos Santos returned as head coach of the UST Golden Tigresses, replacing Emilio “Kungfu” Reyes, the school announced on Tuesday, June 3.

As of the moment, Delos Santos will concurrently handle the Golden Tigresses and the Cignal HD Spikers of PVL with no issues, as unlike the NCAA, the UAAP allows multiple head coaching roles.

Delos Santos, who was UST’s last title-winning women’s volleyball coach in UAAP Season 72 back in 2010, served as Reyes’ assistant alongside Galeries Tower head coach Lerma Giron before being promoted.

Reyes will remain with UST as program director of the women’s and girls’ volleyball teams and will also continue as head coach of the Junior Golden Tigresses in high school.

“I am pleased to confirm the new appointments in our Women’s Volleyball Team, following thoughtful discussions with both coaches,” said UST athletics chief Fr. Rodel Cansancio, O.P.

“I appreciate Coach Kungfu and Coach Shaq’s professionalism as well as the many sacrifices they have made for the sake of the team,”

Reyes served as the Tigresses coach since UAAP Season 78 after replacing current UST men’s volleyball mentor Odjie Mamon.

Reyes, a former volleyball player, helped lead UST to two Finals appearances — in 2019 and 2024 — but fell short both times to Ateneo and NU, respectively.

He also mentored UST’s homegrown stars such as the Laure sisters Eya and EJ, and star libero Detdet Pepito.

In his 10 years at the helm, Reyes amassed a 68-44 record, not counting the pandemic-canceled Season 82 tournament, where the Tigresses had a 1-1 record.

UST finished third in UAAP Season 87 after falling short to eventual runners-up La Salle Lady Spikers in a virtual best-of-three affair in the Final Four.

Only having Pia Abbu as the team’s major subtraction for Season 88, the 16-time UAAP women’s volleyball champion will enjoy an intact roster led by Pepito, perennial MVP candidate Angge Poyo, breakout star opposite spiker Reg Jurado, and the returning key cog Jonna Perdido. – Rappler.com