In 2009, Brian Esquibel built a dynasty when he guided Colegio de San Juan de Letran to its third straight NCAA men's volleyball title. 

Now, he has rekindled that winning fire, steering the new generation of Knights back to the finals after a lengthy 16-year absence.

Letran did it the hard way. The Knights overcame an up-and-down Season 100 campaign that eventually led to a Final Four ticket as they finished at the fourth spot. They also had to face top-seeded De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in the Final Four with the Blazers armed with a twice-to-beat advantage. 

The Knights, though, refused to back down as they stormed from that disadvantage and stunned the Blazers in back-to-back games to advance to the finals. 

"Actually, isa ako sa mga coaching staff that time way back 2009, when we got the grand slam. Siguro isa na rin ito sa mga naging motivations namin na kailangan naming makabalik sa finals kasi for how many years, ‘yung Letran nando’n ‘yung ups and downs," Esquibel told GMA News Online on Friday.

"Hindi natin makuha ‘yung tamang composition ng team so ngayon, hopefully, makabalik and gagawin namin ‘yung best namin lalong-lalo na kaming coaching staff para tulungan ‘yung team."

Esquibel has seen the highs and the lows of the Letran program. 

He entered the squad in 2003 as a trainer before becoming one of the deputies to help propel the Knights to a pair of titles in Season 83 and 84. In 2008, he was promoted to head coach and played a pivotal role in guiding the school to its third championship, completing the historic grand slam.

The following years were marked with challenges as the Knights failed to make it to the finals again — until now.  

The Knights pulled off a dramatic 22-25, 28-26, 25-14, 25-20 win in the do-or-die match against Blazers behind Bembem Bautista and Vince Himzon.

"Gusto kong i-commend ‘yung team kasi ando’n pa rin ‘yung teamwork, hindi nawala kahit na naunahan kami nu’ng first set. ‘Yung pressure na-handle nila, that’s why naipanalo ‘yung Game 2 and now aakyat na sa finals match this Sunday," Esquibel added.

"Hopefully, madala nila ‘yung pagiging masaya inside the court kasi ayon ‘yung isang key, kahit na lamang ‘yung kalaban nag-e-enjoy lang sila, walang pressure and na-overcome nila ‘yung malalakas na palo ng kalaban."

Letran will face Arellano University in the best-of-three finals starting Sunday, June 8, 2025. 

(Report by Bea Micaller, GMA Integrated News)