Tin Ubaldo reveals Tina Salak's guiding hand despite time away from FEU

The buzz around Far Eastern University (FEU) has been palpable ever since Tina Salak rejoined the Lady Tamaraws as head coach.

The excitement is not just from the fans but also from her protégé, Tin Ubaldo, who is thrilled about their reunion.

The two share a deep connection, forged during Salak's previous stint with FEU, and it's clear that their partnership has the potential to reignite the team's competitive spirit.

Salak, a legendary setter for FEU, first stepped into the coaching role in UAAP Season 85. Her influence was transformative.

Under her guidance, FEU's performance soared from a dismal 1-13 record in Season 84 to a notable 6-8 the following year. Her leadership and expertise played a crucial role in reshaping the team's dynamics and boosting their morale.

However, just as the team seemed poised for further success, Salak had to step away due to personal reasons, taking on a consultant role for Season 86.

During her absence, Manolo Refugia took over as head coach.

Refugia led the Lady Tamaraws to a commendable fourth-place finish with a 9-5 record, but the team was clearly missing Salak's distinctive touch.

Fast forward to last Wednesday, and Salak made a dramatic return to the helm. Her comeback coincided with FEU's match against the Lyceum of the Philippines University Lady Pirates in the 2024 V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge.

The Lady Tamaraws emerged victorious, securing a convincing 25-16, 25-18, 28-26 win.

"Ngayong siya na ulit ang head coach namin, super grateful ako kasi hindi magiging mahirap sa amin yung pag-aadjust kasi nga na-handle niya na kami," Ubaldo shared.

The victory against the Lady Pirates was a promising start for Salak's return, helping FEU move to a 2-2 record in the eight-team standings of the league organized by Sports Vision.

Ubaldo, who played a pivotal role in the match, delivered 14 excellent sets and contributed nine points, including four crucial blocks.

Her performance was a testament to the skills and confidence she developed under Salak's previous mentorship. Despite Salak's time away, Ubaldo revealed that their bond remained strong. 

“Hindi naman siya nawala, nandiyan pa rin siya kahit nasa US siya, actually nagmemessage siya every after game, 'Tin ganito, ganyan,'” Ubaldo said, highlighting the ongoing support and communication she received from Salak even while the coach was abroad.

Salak’s impact extends beyond FEU. Jorge Souza de Brito, head coach of Alas Pilipinas, has expressed interest in including Ubaldo in the national pool, underscoring the significant influence Salak's coaching has had on her players.

With Salak back in charge, Ubaldo and her teammates are focused on making a substantial impact in the V-League. The team, which boasts a strong lineup, still has challenging matches ahead, including games against the University of the East and Colegio de San Juan de Letran.

“Tulad ng sabi ni Coach T, unti-untiin muna namin kasi though stacked yung team namin, meron pa rin kaming bagong players so kailangan namin imaximize yung strength ng everyone sa team,” Ubaldo concluded.