Louie Ramirez is a champion once again — a feat he achieved twice this season.
The 6-foot-3 high-flying outside hitter steered University of Perpetual Help System DALTA to the NCAA Season 98 men's indoor volleyball title to complete a personal double championship as he was also a champion in the beach volleyball tourney held earlier this year.
But instead of owning all the glory, Ramirez said he gives all due credit to the coaching staff, and most especially to head coach Sammy Acaylar.
"Sobrang proud ako sa sarili ko lalo na sa coaching staff namin sa kung paano nila kami i-handle," Ramirez said as the ALTAs ended San Beda University's Cinderella run on Sunday.
"Nagrereflect talaga ‘yun sa coaching staff namin lalo na kay Coach Sammy, sobrang proud ako na naging coach ko si Coach Sammy."
("I'm so proud of myself but also the coach staff because of how they handled us... It really reflected in our coaching staff, especially Coach Sammy, I'm so proud that I was able to have Coach Sammy as my coach.")
Ramirez dropped 26 points in the do-or-die Game 3 while also proving his defensive prowess with his 13 digs and 21 receptions. Prior to that, Ramirez finished with 17 and 32 in Games 1 and 2, respectively, to help Perpetual clinch its third straight championship.
Because of his efforts, he was named the Finals MVP. He was also awarded with the Season 98 MVP award prior to Game 2.
Although the ALTAs weren't able to complete a season sweep after losing in Game 2, which happened on the same day as his 23rd birthday, Ramirez remains proud of how his team stood its ground against a tough San Beda side.
"Sobrang saya kasi kahit hindi namin nakuha ‘yung gusto kong makuha nung birthday ko, sinabi ko na lang na siguro hindi ito ‘yung araw, siguro sa Sunday talaga," he shared.
"Ayun nakuha namin and sobrang happy ko na nakuha ko ‘yung birthday gift ko."
("I'm very happy because even if we weren't able to get it done on my birthday, I just thought maybe this wasn't the day, maybe it would be Sunday... And there, we were able to get it and I'm so happy I was able to receive my birthday gift.")
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
