Jheck Dionela stepped onto the taraflex at the Philsports Arena with a heavy heart. Hours before Farm Fresh's match in the 2025 PVL All-Filipino Conference, she received the heartbreaking news—her longtime mentor, Coach Sammy Acaylar, had passed away at the age of 66.
A moment of silence was observed before the game, a tribute to the decorated volleyball tactician who had shaped generations of athletes. As the arena fell still, Dionela couldn’t hold back her tears.
“Kanina, ‘yung moment of silence napanood ko sa live, talagang hindi ko naiwasan maiyak kasi high school pa lang ako, kilala ko na si Coach Sam,” she shared.
For Dionela, Acaylar was more than just a coach—he was a guiding force in her career. He coached both her and her older brother, helping them carve out their places in the sport. Their journey together began at the University of Perpetual Help, where they played pivotal roles in establishing the school's championship pedigree.
Beyond collegiate volleyball, their paths intertwined at the club and national levels. Acaylar led Dionela’s squad in the early years of the HD Spikers and later guided her in the 2015 AVC Asian Senior Women’s Championship with the Philippine women’s volleyball national team.
Through the years, one of the most valuable lessons she learned from Acaylar was unwavering loyalty.
“Si Coach Sam, knowing him, talagang loyal siya sa mga players niya. Kung nasaan siya, gusto niyang dalhin niya talaga ‘yung mga players niya dun,” Dionela said.
Acaylar’s influence extended far beyond the teams he coached. He was a pillar in the volleyball community, mentoring countless athletes and paving the way for young talents to thrive. His contributions to Perpetual’s success alone left an indelible mark, with numerous championships won under his watch.
“Marami siya na-inspire, marami siya natulungan na players, honestly. Marami siyang mga nadala dito sa PVL from previous leagues. And sa college, andami niyang ibinigay na championship sa Perpetual,” Dionela reflected.
As she continues her career, Dionela carries the lessons Acaylar imparted to her. His passing is a profound loss, but his legacy lives on in every athlete he mentored, every team he led, and every heart he touched.
“Sobrang laking loss. Naramdaman ko, kanina nga naiyak ako, pero ganun talaga ang buhay, it's a circle of life, kaya hopefully, ma-honor namin ‘yung iniwan niyang legacy.”
