Ana Santiago and Ramil de Jesus, the UAAP’s winningest coaches

In the history of Philippine sports, only a few head coaches have truly left a lasting mark on their fields. Among them are Ana Santiago and Ramil de Jesus, who are considered among the winningest coaches due to their consecutive victories and championships.

Coach Ana, a pillar of the Adamson University women’s softball program, has recorded 18 championships, while Coach Ramil has steered the De La Salle University Lady Spikers to 13 titles in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). Their records are not just numbers, but symbols of years of sacrifice, dedication, and tireless preparation to maintain their dominance in their respective sports.

Achieving consecutive wins and championships is no joke. With each season come new challenges, new team lineups, and new pressures to overcome. What makes it even more difficult is maintaining championship status because once you are at the top, everyone wants to bring you down. But despite this, Coach Ana and Coach Ramil have maintained the high level of their teams through excellent leadership and strong discipline.

“While the season hasn’t even begun yet, train like a champion,” Coach Ana constantly reminds the Soaring Lady Falcons.

Her vision shows that success is not just about waiting for game day but preparing long before competition begins. Her philosophy focuses on discipline, consistency, and intense preparation. Because of this, Adamson’s softball program has remained strong and dominant for many years.

Under Coach Ana’s guidance, athletes like Queenie Sabobo and Cloiene Muyco were developed into key contributors to Adamson’s success. She not only taught student-athletes how to win but also how to be disciplined, responsible, and team-oriented. As a result, many of her players have become inspirations to future generations of athletes.

Meanwhile, Coach Ramil has become a symbol of success and consistency in women’s volleyball. A product of the Far Eastern University, he brought his experience, discipline, and deep love for volleyball to De La Salle University. With 13 UAAP championships, he has proven that success depends not only on talent but also on systems, teamwork, and proper player development.

Under Coach Ramil’s leadership, players like Aby Maraño, Mika Reyes, and Michelle Gumabao rose to prominence. They became admired not only for their volleyball skills but also for their charisma and influence as role models for the youth. Michelle Gumabao, in particular, became one of the most popular volleyball players of her generation and demonstrated that athletes can also succeed in media and entertainment.

It is noteworthy that Ana Santiago and Ramil de Jesus are both products of strong collegiate programs—she as a former Adamson athlete and he as a graduate of the Far Eastern University. They carry with them the culture of hard work, discipline, and dedication from their formative years into their successful coaching careers. They have shown that a true leader is not only a teacher of skills but also a shaper of character.

The support of their communities has also been invaluable. The entire Adamson community—students, alumni, administrators, and supporters—has played a key role in the success of the softball team. At every game, the cry of “Unawakanahimo!” echoes, symbolizing unity, strength, and love for the Lady Falcons. This chant is not just a cheer but a reminder that success is built through collective effort.

The same is true for De La Salle University, where the community and alumni have strengthened the women’s volleyball program in the face of strong competition from players like Alyssa Valdez to Bella Belen. During every match, the famous “Animo La Salle!” chant resonates, inspiring the Lady Spikers to give their all. The unity of the La Salle community remains a major reason for the program’s sustained excellence.

Beyond local championships, athletes developed under Coach Ana and Coach Ramil also bring pride to the country in international competitions. When they wear the Philippine national team uniform and compete abroad, they represent not only their schools but the entire nation. Their discipline and determination become symbols of Filipino excellence on the world stage.

Many athletes from Adamson and La Salle have gone on to represent the Philippines in various international tournaments across Asia and beyond. Because of the strong foundation built by Coach Ana and Coach Ramil, their players are well-prepared for high-level competition. Each victory becomes not just a personal achievement but an honor for the entire country.

‘HUWAG LAGING BASKETBOL’

The achievements of these two winningest coaches in the UAAP also carry an important lesson for Filipino sports culture. For many years, attention in the country has largely centered on basketball as the dominant sport. However, the success of softball and volleyball shows that Filipinos can excel in many other disciplines. Basketball is not the only path to national pride and unity—other sports also offer inspiration, opportunity, and honor.

In fact, the rise of volleyball and softball shows that Filipinos are broadening their appreciation for diverse sports. More young athletes are now inspired to pursue different disciplines because of the success stories of coaches and players in these fields. As a result, the Philippine sports landscape is becoming more dynamic and inclusive.

Ana Santiago and Ramil de Jesus are not just coaches but pillars of Philippine sports. Their championships reflect discipline, dedication, and passion for their craft. More importantly, they are living proof that products of strong collegiate programs can bring honor not only to their universities but to the entire country. Through the athletes they have developed who now compete internationally, they continue to showcase Filipino talent and heart on the global stage. Their names will remain deeply embedded in the history of Philippine softball and volleyball, serving as lasting inspiration for future generations of athletes and coaches.