For years, Billie Anima has been known for his intensity at the net — a middle blocker who can swing momentum with a single block. But these days, he’s discovering that his game has evolved beyond raw athleticism.
That maturity took a leap when Anima transitioned into a dual role—serving as an assistant coach for Petro Gazz in the Premier Volleyball League while continuing to play competitively in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.
Balancing those two demanding responsibilities isn’t easy, but for the multi-awarded UAAP middle blocker, the experience of coaching has made him a better player on the court.
“Mas nai-aapply ko ‘yung mga pinagsasabi ko kasi when you’re coaching, you’re telling them what to do. When you’re playing na, you realize na what I’ve been telling the players also applies to me,” shared Anima.
“So kung ano man ‘yung itinuturo ko, especially sa middles sa Petro Gazz, ina-apply ko siya dito.”
That mentality was on full display in Alpha Insurance’s season-opening victory, where Anima’s presence at the net anchored the team’s defense. He tallied six monster blocks to lead the Protectors’ total of 13, two of which came in clutch moments in the third and fourth sets that sealed a thrilling 19-25, 25-23, 26-24, 25-22 win over Savouge on Monday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
It was a statement win to start the Invitational campaign for Alpha Insurance in the league organized by Sports Vision and supported by Alpha Insurance, Premiere EMS, Buffalo’s Wings n’ Things, and Arena Plus.
Head coach Mike Santos lauded Anima’s impact, saying that having players who also coach professionally provides a unique advantage for the team.
“It’s a big advantage, dalawa sila — ‘yung isa si JM Apolinario na nagko-coach sa Galeries. Sabi ko lang sa kanila, basta during games, 100-percent tayo,” said Santos.
“Hindi na ako nahihirapan silang turuan kasi alam na nila ‘yung gagawin nila eh kasi nagko-coach na rin sila. ‘Yun naman ang goal ng mga players eh, makapagturo tayo. Madali na sa kanila yun.”
Indeed, aside from Anima, setter JM Apolinario—who serves as an assistant coach for Galeries Tower in the PVL—also brings his coaching background to the Protectors, adding another layer of tactical discipline and leadership to the squad.
After toppling Savouge, a powerhouse team that has claimed two consecutive bronze medals, Alpha Insurance now turns its sights on another challenge: facing perennial contender Cignal on Wednesday at the Paco Arena.
As Anima continues to juggle his dual identity as both mentor and athlete, he’s proving that leadership isn’t just about giving instructions—it’s about living them. His growth as both coach and player is becoming a reflection of what modern volleyball demands: skill, discipline, and the ability to evolve.
Fans can catch the Spikers’ Turf games live on One Sports and One Sports+, as well as through the Pilipinas Live app and via streaming on spikersturf.ph.
