Oliver Almadro tapped as UP volleyball program director

Champion tactician Oliver Almadro has been tapped as the new volleyball program director of the University of the Philippines, the school announced on Wednesday.

Almadro, who previously handled the Ateneo de Manila University men's and women's volleyball teams in UAAP, will now oversee the Fighting Maroons' men's and women's teams.

"I'm honored to be given this opportunity. I'm aware that it'll be hard, but it's actually easy to trust in the process because of all those who believe in me," he said.

Almadro will serve as the program's director, while handpicking yet-to-be-named successors to Shaq Delos Santos (women) and Rald Ricafort (men) beginning in UAAP Season 86.

Bo Perasol, who was recently named UP athletics office director, said he believes Almadro's entry will be an added boost to the school as they look to end their title drought in the league.

"We believe that coach O will bring the UP volleyball program to greater heights. He has the experience of building championship teams and he will have a helping hand in the form of our new sponsor for our volleyball program," said Perasol.

"We give the biggest thanks to Farm Fresh Dairy for joining us in this new era for UP volleyball."

Concurrently, Almadro will still be head of volleyball operations for the Petro Gazz Angels in the PVL and head coach of the Letran Lady Knights in the NCAA.

He left Ateneo in July as the Blue Eagles tapped the services of men's national team coach Sergio Veloso.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News