The Philippine volleyball community is in mourning following the passing of esteemed coach Sinfronio "Sammy" Acaylar on Thursday, January 30, 2025, just five days before his 67th birthday. Acaylar, a revered mentor and multi-titled champion coach, succumbed to cardiac arrest at 1:30 AM after being confined at the Perpetual Help Medical Center in Las Piñas City.
Earlier this week, Acaylar suffered a stroke on Monday, January 27, which led to his hospitalization. Friends and colleagues rushed him to the hospital after he developed a fever that morning, but despite medical efforts, he passed away in the early hours of Thursday.
Coach Sammy, as he was affectionately known, leaves behind an unparalleled legacy in Philippine volleyball, particularly in the NCAA, where he steered the Perpetual Altas men’s volleyball team to 14 championship titles—a record unmatched in the league’s history. His influence extended beyond collegiate volleyball, as he mentored generations of athletes who have gone on to shape the sport in the country.
His championship timeline speaks volumes about his dominance in the league:
In 2017, he was elevated to the position of sports director of Perpetual Altas, continuing his mission to develop future volleyball stars.
Acaylar’s impact stretched beyond the NCAA, as he played a pivotal role in the Philippine national team’s golden era. He was part of the coaching staff of Russian tactician Stanislav Lugailo, leading the Philippine women’s volleyball team to its last SEA Games gold medal in 1993.
He later took the helm of the Philippine men’s volleyball team, guiding them to a bronze medal finish in the 1991 Southeast Asian Games. His last stint as a national coach was during the 2017 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur.
Acaylar was also a key figure in the professional volleyball scene, having coached in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL). He led teams such as Gerflor and most recently Savouge Aesthetics in the Spikers' Turf.
In 2018, he briefly stepped into the UAAP, handling the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors. Most recently, he continued to nurture young talent as head coach of Living Stones International School’s Secondary Boys Volleyball Team, leading them to a Bacolod City Division Athletic Association championship.
As news of his passing broke, an outpouring of grief and tributes flooded social media. One of his longtime coaching deputies, Macky Cariño, expressed his sorrow in a heartfelt post:
"See you in the resurrection morning, my ever dearest coach. We love you."
Coach Sammy Acaylar’s passing marks the end of an era in Philippine volleyball. His dedication, passion, and mentorship will continue to live on in the hearts of the players he has trained and the championships he has won. The Perpetual community, the Philippine volleyball family, and the countless lives he has touched mourn his loss but celebrate the remarkable legacy he leaves behind.
Rest in peace, Coach Sammy. Your impact on the sport will never be forgotten.
