Philippine Army head coach Melvin Carolino is hopeful that the addition of Wewe Medina can finally ignite the transformative spark that the Troopers have been yearning for, a change that has eluded them in the past several years.
Medina, who last played for the Army in 2017, made a triumphant return and spearheaded the team’s 21-25, 25-14, 25-19, 22-25, 15-12 win over Iloilo in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Paco Arena last Sunday.
“Actually, hindi na rin siya bago. Dati sa Spikers’ Turf naging player na rin ng Army si Wewe kaya hindi na masyadong nahirapan mag-jel yung team,” said Carolino.
“Okay naman, malaking bagay si Wewe sa amin as an outside hitter. Sana magtuloy-tuloy na,” he added.
The former UST standout delivered 18 points, 11 excellent receptions, and six excellent digs to help the Troopers score a winning debut in Pool A.
Medina also serves as an assistant coach for the Galeries Tower Highrisers in the Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference.
And Carolino hopes that Medina can bring in all the experiences and lessons he has learned there in his return to the Army.
“Malaking bagay kasi isa rin siya sa nagpapataas ng morale ng teammates niya. Nahahatak sila, namomotivate dahil nga may experience siya sa coaching. So at least natutulungan din niya yung team kung paano gagalaw nang maayos.”
