Frigoni named Alas Women interim head coach; Alinsunurin returns as main shot caller in men’s side
Volleyball coaches Angiolino Frigoni and Dante Alinsunurin. File photos from PVL Images and Volleyball World ANTIPOLO — Major reassignments in the national volleyball teams were announced Thursday, as the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) overhauls the organization aimed at boosting the squads for future international events.
Dante Alinsunurin returns to the post he held years ago, as he was named head coach of Alas Pilipinas Men.
Alinsunurin, currently the head coach of the National University (NU) Bulldogs and Choco Mucho Flying Titans, was the main tactician of the men’s national volleyball team when it clinched the historic silver medal at the Philippine-hosted 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
Moving to the Alas Women is Angiolino Frigoni, who takes the reins from Taka Minowa in an interim capacity as the PNVF begins its preparations for the FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Cup in 2029.
Alas Men are coming from a 13th-place finish at the recent Asian Games, while the women’s team finished ninth in the continental meet.
PNVF president Frank Lao, for his part, will head the national team commission alongside Bo Perasol of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), Victor Calvo of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Sherwin Malonzo of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), and Dr. Ian Laurel of the Shakey’s Super League (SSL).
Rebisco will serve as chief sponsor of the beach volleyball teams, while Creamline Cool Smashers team coordinator Ma. Carlota Celda replaces Ronwald Kris Dimaculangan as team manager of the Alas Pilipinas Men.
In the women’s side, volleyball commentator Jaime Ascalon, will be stepping in for Hollie Reyes as team manager of Alas Pilipinas Women.
Among those who are considered for the Athletes Commission are Alyssa Valdez, Dawn Macandili-Catindig, Ysay Marasigan, Ran Abdilla, Julia Coronel, Rex Intal, Majoy Baron, Jia Morado-de Guzman, Jessie Lopez, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Bernadeth Pons, Alyssa Solomon, and Len Escollante, who was part of the national squad that won a gold medal in the Southeast Asian Games in Singapore in 1993.
“These executives bring not only high-level capability, work ethic, and wisdom, but also an unwavering commitment to driving Philippine volleyball to greater heights,” said PNVF executive director Atty. Miguel Carlos Pacifico F. Suarez in a statement made available to the media.