Chery Tiggo has announced the appointment of Norman Miguel as its head coach for the upcoming 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season.
Miguel takes over from Kungfu Reyes, who will transition to an assistant coach role.
Miguel, known for his successful stint with National University, where he led the Lady Bulldogs to the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball championship, is eager to take on the new challenge.
“Actually, nakafocus ako sa isang work ko, connected pa rin siya sa volleyball, and then one time, tinawagan ako ni Coach Aaron (Velez). Why not give it a try na this time, more challenging kasi pro league 'to, 'di ba,” Miguel shared.
"For me, it's about time na ma-test ko 'yung skills ko, kung saan tayo aabot sa ganitong level. 'Yun din, exploring na rin para sa career ko, how is it like coaching a professional team. Honored naman ako na tinawagan ako ng Chery and happy naman ako na this time, sa professional tournament, head coach naman ako kasi before, nasa coaching staff lang ako."
Reyes, who is also the head coach of the University of Santo Tomas, was appointed as Chery Tiggo’s head coach early this year but now shifts to support Miguel in an assistant coach capacity.
“First of all, wine-welcome natin si Coach Norman. As a champion tactician ng National University, 'yung experience niya na dadalhin sa team, malaking bagay," said Reyes, whose Tigresses faced the Lady Bulldogs in the UAAP Finals.
"Luckily, nakuha natin si Coach Norman na kayang magbigay ng full time and attention para sa team, so malaking bagay 'yun para sa upcoming All-Filipino Conference. Goal ko naman this time is maging assistant coach niya. Diyan naman ako galing dati, tutulungan natin siya na i-guide ang team at very much welcome siya sa atin.”
Regarding his new role and working relationship with Reyes, Miguel added, “In terms of 'yung relationship, hindi na ibang tao sa'kin sila Coach Kungfu. In the past, nagkasama na kami niyan sa Amihan and Bagwis national teams, and even doon sa mga coaching stints ko dati, nagkasama na rin kami sa university, sa UST.
"I think, ako, kailangan ko munang ma-establish sa kanila 'yung relationship, especially sa mga players, and then reestablish 'yung relationship kasi may mga players dito sa Chery na naging players ko rin naman in the past. Gaya nung sinabi ko sa kanila kanina, I'm looking forward na magkaroon ng magandang relationship muna kasi for me, 'yun ang pinaka-importante. You have your connections with your players and coaching staff, and from there, we'll see kung ano 'yung mga adjustments, ano 'yung mga systems na pwedeng idagdag sa system ni Coach Kungfu.”
During the 2024 Reinforced Conference, Chery Tiggo finished in fifth place.
The Crossovers are hopeful that Miguel’s expertise will lead them to new heights.
Team manager Aaron Velez expressed optimism about the upcoming season.
“We at Chery are in a constant search of finding ways to improve and fortify our volleyball team in line with achieving something that we would love to offer to our families, supporters, and sports enthusiasts,” said Velez, the coach who steered Chery Tiggo to the 2021 Open Conference championship.
“Coach Norman is a champion tactician, and with the assistance of Coach Kungfu, the help of our reputable coaches, and the passion of our determined players, we are gearing up and refueling towards attaining our goal.”
