UE bolsters coaching staff, adds Kurashiki Ablaze’s Sato, Tamaru

UAAP

With head coach Jerry Yee still serving his suspension, University of the East had spiced up its coaching staff with the addition of Kurashiki Ablaze assistant coach Shota Sato and opposite spiker Asaka Tamaru for the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament. 

Sato was one of the deputies for Kurashiki head coach Hideo Suzuki, who led the squad to a championship run in the 2023 PVL Invitational Conference, and will now take on the role of a head consultant for the Lady Red Warriors. 

Tamaru, who was hailed as one of the Best Outside Spikers in the same conference alongside Alyssa Valdez, will serve as an assistant coach. The two Japanese nationals will join Obet Vital, Stephanie Cholico, Allan Mendoza, Ludio Dulce, Gregory Ericta, John Paul Martires, and Jelai Gajero in the UE coaching crew. 

“We’re thrilled to welcome Head Consultant Shota Sato and Assistant Coach Asaka Tamaru to UE. Witnessing their prowess in the 2023 PVL Invitational Conference has us eager to absorb their knowledge,” said UE team manager Jared Lao.

“With Coach Jerry temporarily away, they take the reins, and the players are excited. As the saying goes, ‘It ain’t over ’til it’s over,’ and under their leadership, we’re ready for the journey ahead.”

The development came just days after the UAAP slapped Yee with a suspension owing to a complaint brought by a member school against the veteran mentor. 

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News