Former UE standout and incoming UP Fighting Maroon Casiey Dongallo. UAAP Media/file photo
MANILA – Casiey Dongallo, 19, has taken a coaching role at her former school, California Academy.
Dongallo will be guiding the school in its 2025 Shakey’s Girl Volleyball Invitational League campaign, which starts on May 28 at the La Salle Green Hills gym.
California Academy previously snatched the maiden Shakey’s Girl Volleyball Invitational League crown in 2023, with Dongallo at the helm, winning the Most Valuable Player citation.
READ: California Academy clips inaugural Shakey's Girls title
"Actually po, parang it's a big milestone for me kasi at the age of 19, I'm coaching na sa high school," said Dongallo, who called her latest responsibility a "milestone."
"Ngayon, nagko-coach na ako sa school kung saan man ako galing," she added. "And it's time to give back naman."
Asked what she could offer to California Academy's volleyball team, Dongallo said she's here to boost their morale and not impose "power."
"Sa akin naman po bilang coach sa kanila, hindi ko naman po [sinasabi] na parang, 'ay mas power ako sa inyo kasi coach niyo ako,'" said Dongallo.
"Sa kanila lang po, parang everyday, binibigyan ko sila ng motivation na parang malapit na 'yung laro niyo, gawin n'yo lang kung ano 'yung kailangan niyo gawin and tapangan lang talaga."
The former University of the East standout is also returning to the UAAP with the UP Fighting Maroons after sitting out Season 87, serving a one-year residency period.
She has two seasons of eligibility left with the Fighting Maroons.
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