FROM a player to a UST coach to a national coach, Odjie Mamon hopes to stay true to the winning tradition of Thomasian volleyball.
The newly-minted coach of Philippine Cobra, the country’s men’s volleyball team, has been with UST since his high school days and has been a fixture at the UAAP where he won three championships as a Tiger Spiker from 1988 to 1993.
The former middle blocker recalled how the UAAP has changed since his stint as a player to now where he is the head coach for both the Golden Tigresses and the Tiger Spikers.
“Ang difference lang is ngayon mataas na ‘yung media exposure, kasi noon hindi kami televised, pero kapag naglaro kami ng [Far Eastern University] at UST, napupuno namin ‘yung venue. Siyempre noon hindi naman Araneta [Coliseum] or [Mall of Asia Arena], smaller venue lang pero marami na rin sumusuporta,” Mamon said.
Five years after the end of his successful collegiate career, Mamon found himself steering the UST high school squads from 1998 to 2010 when the Junior Golden Tigresses won five titles in six finals appearances.
Mamon admitted that mentoring the juniors team was more fulfilling than his current stint in the senior ranks, saying he took pleasure in seeing his players grow.
“I actually miss coaching our high school teams. There’s a greater sense of gratification when you see your players grow from a beginner to a varsity player in college,” Mamon said.
The 6’4” former UAAP standout considers coaching not as a job but more of a commitment as he is, more or less, in charge of the players not only on the court but off-court, as well.
“As a coach, nung tinanggap ko sila, nag-commit na ako sa kanila na para sa ikabubuti nila ang pagpasok nila sa UST. I am already committed in giving them the best training program. A player’s well-being will always be at the top of my list,” he said.
According to Mamon, he only has three reminders for his squad before games. First is to give their best, second is that they should learn from their mistakes, and third is that they should have fun doing those two things.
After being named national team head coach, together with dual assignments with UST, his pride as a Thomasian is what keeps him motivated in juggling three teams with high expectations.
“What motivates me is my pride. UST has a tradition in volleyball, which is the tradition of winning the championship and this time, we are really working hard on bringing it back,” Mamon said.
Asked why he is still with UST after decades of playing and coaching volleyball combined, Mamon answered, “With loyalty comes pride. If you are loyal to the Thomasian community, your Thomasian pride will remain with you.” Angelica P. Abello
