In the history of Philippine sports, there are only a few head coaches who have truly left a lasting mark on their field. Among them are Ana Santiago and Ramil de Jesus, who are considered the winningest coaches due to their consecutive victories and championships.
Coach Ana, a pillar of the Adamson University women 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 are symbols of years of sacrifice, dedication, and tireless preparation to maintain their dominance in their respective sports.
Achieving consecutive wins and consecutive championships is no joke. With each season, there are new challenges, new team lineups to face, and new pressures to overcome. What’s even more difficult is maintaining your status as a champion because once you’re at the top, everyone wants to bring you down. But despite this, Coach Ana and Coach Ramil maintained the high level of their teams due to their excellent leadership and strong discipline.
“While the season hasn’t even begun yet, train like a champion,” Coach Ana kept on telling the Soaring Lady Falcons.
Her vision shows that success is not just waiting for game day but is prepared for long before the competition even begins. Her philosophy focuses on discipline, consistency, and intense preparation. Because of this, Adamson’s softball program has been strong and dominant for many years.
Under Coach Ana’s guidance, the likes of Queenie Sabobo and Cloiene Muyco were developed who became integral parts of Adamson’s success. She not only taught student- athletes how to win but how to be disciplined, responsible, and caring for their team. As a result, many of her players have also become inspirations to future generations of athletes.
Meanwhile, Coach Ramil has become a symbol of success and consistency in women’s volleyball. As a product of the University of Santo Tomas, he brought his experience, discipline, and love for volleyball to La Salle. With his 13 titles, he has proven that success does not only depend on talent but also on a good system, teamwork, and proper guidance of the players.
Under Coach Ramil’s leadership, players like Aby Maraño, Mika Reyes, and Michelle Gumabao rose to fame. They were admired not only for their volleyball skills but also for their charisma, personality, and being an inspiration to the youth. Michelle Gumabao, for example, became one of the most popular volleyball players of her generation and proved that an athlete can be successful not only in sports but also in the field of media and entertainment. Under the guidance of the Taft-based mentor, they further honed their skills and became successful in the collegiate, professional, and national volleyball scenes.
It is noteworthy that Ana and Ramil are both examples of coaches who are products of top Philippine universities; she’s a champion player of Adamson while he played for UST. They carry the culture of hard work, discipline, and dedication from their origins to their successful coaching careers. They have shown that a true leader is not only good at teaching but also knows how to inspire and shape the character of athletes.
The support of the communities behind their success is also invaluable. The entire Adamson community—students, alumni, administrators, and supporters—has been an integral part of the softball team’s success. At every game and championship, the cry of “Unawakanahimo!” can be heard, symbolizing the unity, strength, and love of the Vincentian community for the Lady Falcons. This cheer is not just a simple cry but a reminder that success is the result of the entire university working together.
The same is true in La Salle, whose community and alumni have played a huge role in strengthening the women’s volleyball program to ward off strong opposition from Alyssa Valdez to Bella Belen. During every match, the famous “Animo La Salle!” chant resonates, inspiring and empowering the Lady Spikers. Their support inspires the team to give their all in every match. The unity of the community is a big reason why the university’s program remains successful and strong.
Beyond the championships in local competitions, the athletes molded by Coach Ana and Coach Ramil also bring great honor to the country when they compete in international competitions. When their players wear the uniform of the national team and wave the Philippine flag in front of other countries, they represent not only their schools but the entire Filipino people. Their skill, determination, and discipline become symbols of Filipino talent on the world stage.
In softball and volleyball, many athletes from Adamson and La Salle have been part of the national teams that have participated in various international tournaments in Asia and other parts of the world. Because of the excellent foundation taught by Coach Ana and Coach Ramil, their players have been prepared for tough competitions against other countries. Each of their wins is not only a personal victory but also an honor for the entire Philippines.
‘HUWAG LAGING BASKETBOL’
The feat the two winningest coaches in the premier collegiate league UAAP also brings an important lesson to Filipino culture. For many years, it seemed that most people’s attention was focused only on basketball as the main sport in the country. But the success of softball and volleyball shows that there are many other sports where Filipinos can shine. Basketball is not the only way to the success and unity of the country. Softball and volleyball also provide honor, inspiration, and opportunities for the youth.
In fact, the rise of volleyball and softball shows that Filipinos are gradually broadening their perspective when it comes to sports. More and more young people are being encouraged to participate in various sports because of the inspiration from coaches and athletes who are successful in their fields. Because of this, the world of sports in the Philippines is becoming more colorful and vibrant.
Ana Santiago and Ramil de Jesus are not just simple coaches but pillars of Philippine sports. Their consecutive championships are the result of discipline, dedication, and love for their profession. Moreover, they are examples of the success that products of Adamson and UST have brought honor not only to their schools but to the entire country. Through the student-athletes they have trained who are competing for the Philippines in international competitions, they continue to show the world the talent and heart of Filipino athletes. Their names will remain part of the history of softball and volleyball in the Philippines and will serve as inspiration for the next generation of athletes and coaches.
DC Alviar
Professor DC Alviar is a tenured associate professor at National University (NU) Manila and a steering committee member of the Philippine International Studies Organization (PHISO). He has contributed to NU's community extension initiatives that introduced the five disciplines of a learning organization (Senge, 1990) to communities within a local government unit. He writes and edits local reports for Mega Scene. He graduated with Master of Development Communication (MDC) and Doctor of Communication (DComm) degrees from the University of the Philippines (UP) Open University in Los Baños and was awarded with a Commission on Higher Education (CHED) SIKAP grant. He previously served as editor-in-chief of The Adamson News and his high school publication Ang Ugat.
- DC Alviar
- DC Alviar
- DC Alviar
- DC Alviar
