As the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference approaches, Cignal HD Spikers head coach Dexter Clamor and star hitter Louie Ramirez are stepping onto the court with more than just competition in mind. Both men are driven by a deeper purpose—to honor the legacy of their late mentor, the legendary coach Sinfronio “Sammy” Acaylar.
Clamor and Ramirez honed their skills under Acaylar’s tutelage at the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, where he built a dynasty, guiding the Altas to 18 NCAA championships across all divisions. His influence extended beyond the court, shaping young athletes into leaders, a testament to his lasting impact on Philippine volleyball.
For Clamor, the journey from player to coach was paved by Acaylar himself. Spending four years under his guidance, Clamor played a pivotal role in Perpetual’s dominance, winning two NCAA titles while collecting two Best Setter awards and an MVP honor. However, it was Acaylar’s mentorship that truly shaped his path.
“Si Coach Sam, siya talaga mentor ko. Nag-start ako sa kanya bilang player. Siya nag-push sa’kin na maging assistant coach. Nung naging head coach na ko’t nakakalaban ko na siya, iba ‘yung pakiramdam,” Clamor reflected during the Spikers’ Turf media day.
Acaylar’s passing on January 30 left a deep void in Philippine volleyball, and Clamor is determined to carry forward his mentor’s teachings.
“Nakakalungkot kasi ‘yung mentor ko nawala. Sa’kin lang, gagawin ko ‘yung best ko at lahat ng natutunan ko sa kanya, i-aapply ko. Hindi ko talaga siya makakalimutan. Malaking bagay ‘yung nabigay niya sa’kin, not only as a coach, ‘yung sa pagiging tao rin and a better person.”
The former setter later faced his mentor from the opposite bench, leading Cignal while Acaylar took charge of Perpetual and Savouge in Spikers’ Turf competitions. Now, as Clamor continues to make his mark as a head coach, every decision he makes is a reflection of Acaylar’s influence.
Meanwhile, Ramirez remains one of the last players Acaylar mentored before his passing. The 6-foot-3 outside hitter, a three-time NCAA champion and two-time season MVP, was instrumental in Alas Pilipinas Men’s back-to-back bronze finishes in the 2023 SEA V.League. More than the accolades, he carries a responsibility given to him by Acaylar himself.
“Sobrang dala-dala ko pa rin yung mga sinasabi sa akin ni Coach Sam lalo na yung last season ko sa NCAA, lalo na yung sinabi niya sa akin na gusto niyang dalhin ko yung buong Perpetual kahit saan ako magpunta,” Ramirez shared.
“Yun na lang yung dala-dala ko palagi na sinasabi niya sa akin. Napa-proud ako na hanggang ngayon is nagagawa ko pa kung ano yung gusto niya.”
