MANILA, Philippines – In a shock move, UE women’s volleyball interim head coach Dr. Obet Vital has resigned from his post on Tuesday, December 10, leaving the Lady Warriors without a mentor two months before the UAAP Season 87 volleyball tournament.
Largely responsible for bringing in UE’s current core of Alas Pilipinas prospect Casiey Dongallo, captain Kizzie Madriaga, recovering hitter Jelai Gajero, and many other standouts from California Academy-Antipolo, Vital has cited “differences in vision” for his departure.
“It was a tough decision, but there are things beyond our control that led to this,” he said. “There were differences in vision, particularly regarding program development, grassroots initiatives, and the long-term direction of the team. It became clear that our goals and approach no longer aligned.”
“Still, I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had with the team and the support from the UE community,” Vital added.
The outspoken coach took over from Jerry Yee just three games into Season 86 earlier in the year after the latter’s shocking indefinite suspension. There have been no updates since the order took effect.
The Dongallo-led Lady Warriors nonetheless pushed through under a familiar voice in Vital, and finished in sixth place — a highly promising improvement from the program’s cellar-dwelling days.
Vital continued coaching UE through various preseason tournaments like the V-League and the Shakey’s Super League before stepping down, leaving behind arguably the most promising crop of Lady Warriors recruits in recent memory. – Rappler.com