When Dante Alinsunurin was appointed as the head coach of Choco Mucho before the start of the 2023 Premier Volleyball League season, he brought along his trusted assistant, Jessie Lopez, to help unlock the full potential of the Flying Titans' setters.
One of the key players in this transformation is Deanna Wong, a talented setter with a championship background.
Lopez, a former national team setter and a standout from Far Eastern University, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge about the game.
After retiring from international competitions in mid-2022, he continued to play for the Philippine Air Force in the Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference. With his arrival as an assistant coach, a new chapter in Wong's career began to unfold.
Wong, a 5-foot-8 setter from Cebu, was entrusted with the role of Choco Mucho's starting playmaker. This marked a significant transition for her, as she had spent four years following the Ateneo system, which led her to a championship victory in the UAAP Season 81 women's volleyball tournament.
Adapting to Alinsunurin's system took time, and Wong initially found it challenging.
"At first, it was really tough because it’s not the system that I grew into. It was a challenging adjustment for me after spending three, four, five years of my life in a different system," shared Wong. However, with patience and dedication, she started to make progress and embrace the new approach.
Assistant coach Lopez, who closely monitored Wong's development, was impressed by her determination. He could see her adapting and thriving within the team's framework.
"I'm really proud because I can see her dedication in training, and it reflects in her performance during the games. I hope she continues to improve, and I know she has more to show," said Lopez. "The young one has talent, but we still need to figure out how she can grow as a setter without being commanded by the coaches, so that she follows the system we want. I can see that she's getting it, she's beyond 60 percent, she's at 70 to 80 percent now."
Wong's journey to adapt to the new system had its share of challenges, but she found comfort in the guidance provided by Coaches Jessie and Dante.
"I think that’s what I’m grateful for Coach Jessie and Coach Dante because they have the patience I needed. It's really about taking it one step at a time and trusting the process. It might not be easy, but eventually, step by step, we will get there," Wong reflected.
Despite the initial challenges, Wong's championship background in college made her an ideal candidate for the setter position. Lopez recognized her potential from the very beginning.
"When we first joined Choco Mucho, I saw the potential in the young one because Deanna also comes from a championship team. She won the UAAP, so she really has the blood of a champion," said Lopez. "I know she has more to offer, and that's what I want to see in the future."
With Wong's persistence and the unwavering support of her coaches, she is gradually fitting into the new system, showcasing her skills, and becoming an even more formidable force for the Choco Mucho Flying Titans.
As they continue to secure victories and evolve as a team, the future looks promising for both Deanna Wong and the Flying Titans.
