With former head coach Emilio “Kung Fu” Reyes now serving as program director, Shaq Delos Santos ushers in a new chapter of leadership for the Golden Tigresses.
Delos Santos worked under Reyes for the past two years. He carries extensive professional coaching experience and is the last UST coach to capture a title.
Though the Tigresses enter a new leadership phase, the lineup still features many familiar faces.
Here are the coaches behind the Golden Tigresses’ Season 88 campaign.
Shaq Delos Santos
Delos Santos rejoined the UST Golden Tigresses before Season 86 as an assistant under Reyes.
He now takes over as head coach — the same position he held in Season 72 when he secured UST’s last women’s volleyball championship.
He also previously handled the women’s programs of the FEU Lady Tamaraws and the UP Fighting Maroons.
Since 2021, he has been the head coach of the Cignal HD Spikers in the Premier Volleyball League, guiding the team’s overall system and direction.
“Ako ‘yong ngayon tumitingin sa overall program ng Cignal — kung ano ‘yong mga kailangang drills na gawin para sa team, especially the game plan,” Delos Santos told the Varsitarian.
Delos Santos explained that while all coaches help refine players during training, the final calls are his to make.
He also underscored that Reyes continues to play an active role in supporting the squad.
“Right now, ang big factor talaga na nagagawa ni coach Kung Fu for us is ‘yong recruitment. Important ‘yon. … But part pa rin siya ng team. Chine-check niya kami kung ano ‘yong mga needs. Part siya ng mga meetings,” Delos Santos said.
The coaching transition was seamless and built on continuity, with Reyes entrusting the program fully to his successor.
“Other than that, pagdating sa program, pinaubaya na niya sa akin,” Shaq said.
Yani Fernandez
A longtime UST tactician, Fernandez serves as both assistant coach and team manager.
He previously focused on setting and offensive training, but his new role centers on managing the team’s well-being and day-to-day needs.
“‘Yong mga pakikipag-usap sa sponsor, sa lahat na ‘yan si Coach Yani talaga ‘yong tumatrabaho, kaya malaking tulong para sa amin ‘yan,” Delos Santos said.
Fernandez joined the Golden Tigresses as a trainer in 2015 during Reyes’ first year as head coach. During his college years, he played for the Golden Spikers as a setter.
Lerma Giron
Giron joined the Golden Tigresses staff in Season 85, bringing extensive head coaching experience.
She previously led the PVL’s Galeries Tower Highrisers for two years and coached the Adamson Lady Falcons in Season 84.
With UST, she manages internal affairs while developing the team’s liberos.
“Yung coaches may kanya-kanyang forte so ako sa libero ako nakatutok… sa defense at saka sa passing,” Giron told the Varsitarian.
Rico De Guzman
De Guzman brings professional-level experience to the Golden Tigresses’ staff.
He previously coached the PVL’s Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors and the Army Lady Troopers, and now serves as an assistant with the Super Spikers under Delos Santos.
A former UST middle blocker, he now mentors the same position and sees promise in the group’s height advantage against rival schools.
“Maganda naman ‘yong development ng mga middle kasi maganda ‘yung height nila,” De Guzman told the Varsitarian.
Sean Victor Padon
Padon is the newest addition to UST’s coaching staff, brought in by Delos Santos to strengthen the unit.
A former FEU Tamaraws setter, he now focuses on developing UST’s playmakers, a role previously handled by Fernandez before the staff expanded.
Kevin Villegas
Villegas may not run drills, but his impact is evident when games begin.
As the Golden Tigresses’ strength and conditioning coach, he ensures the team is physically prepared for training and competition.
“We try to increase their strength capacities, optimize their performance, and at the same time reduce injuries,” he told the Varsitarian.
His work begins before practice, overseeing weight sessions and monitoring fitness, while regularly reporting to the head coach for performance assessments.
