AFTER four years away from the sidelines, head coach R-Jay Ormilla makes his return to the UST Tiger Shuttlers, determined to rebuild the team from the ground up.
His focus, he said, is on strategy, restoring chemistry, and reigniting each player’s passion for the sport.
“Maraming kailangan i-adjust, and then maraming room for improvement para sa kanila, especially maraming nang taon na hindi nila na-maximize ‘yong pinakagusto nilang mangyari especially sa playing career nila,” Ormilla told the Varsitarian.
Ormilla took over from Charles Medina, who guided the Tiger Shuttlers to three consecutive fourth-place finishes.
The returning coach emphasized that rebuilding the team will hinge on open communication between him and his players and commitment to one system.
“If hindi sila magiging cooperative at sila open sa akin, lalo na’t gusto namin ng podium finish — hindi sila para sa team na ‘to,” he said. “Kung sarado sila sa akin bilang bago nilang coach, mahihirapan akong tulungan sila.”
This year, the Tiger Shuttlers reached a milestone third-place finish in the 2025 Philippine Intercollegiate Badminton Championship, their first podium appearance since joining the tournament four years ago.
The team will now be captained by Ivan Tuazon, joined by veteran Lennox Cuilao as one of the squad’s key leaders.
According to Ormilla, all eight players are expected to contribute across multiple events.
“This will be a team effort,” he said. “Hindi ‘yong iaasa sa isa or dalawang player. With this team, lahat ng player ko mag-lalaro, mag-pe-perform. Siyempre mag-tiwala lang, have a big heart, and keep on believing them na kaya nila.”
The Tiger Shuttlers will open their UAAP Season 88 campaign against the UP Fighting Maroons on Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
