Regine Diego grateful for experiences in ‘up and down’ first year as pro coach

F2 Logistics coach Regine Diego. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — With veteran coach Ramil De Jesus returning from months of hiatus, F2 Logistics coach Regine Diego said she still doesn’t know what will be their set up next Premier Volleyball League conference.

But despite the uncertainty, Diego said she is honored to lead the Cargo Movers to a bronze medal finish in the All-Filipino Conference, proving that a woman coach can thrive in the professional volleyball league, too.

“Actually, we still don’t know yet, ” said Diego when asked about the coaching setup for F2 in the Invitationals in June. “For now, I’m just happy to be here. I’m happy to get the experience. Whatever happens, I will be grateful to be here. And if I get the chance again to coach for the next conference, then I’m willing to take the challenge. But if not, I’m still happy that I experienced this,” she added.

De Jesus, who steered the Cargo Movers to five Philippine Superliga titles and a PNVF Champions League crown in 2021, showed up to support his players and Diego in Game 1 of their battle of third series against PLDT on Sunday.

F2 Logistics earned its first podium finish in the PVL with a 23-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-15 victory over PLDT in Game 2 on Tuesday.

F2 Logistics Cargo Movers. PVL PHOTO

For Diego, her first pro coaching stint was a roller coaster ride after winning six of their eight games in the elimination round but getting swept by defending champion Creamline in the best-of-three semifinals.

“It’s up and down. Some moments were fulfilling and happy. But there were also moments when you wanna give up. I could have stayed where I was before, relax lang. I was living on the island and all. But the challenge is making me stronger,” the youthful coach said.

“I’m happy that I’m the first woman. But I need to embrace it because I want women to be here. Not just me, I don’t want just to be the only one. I want more women here,” she added.

Whether she will still call the shots for the Cargo Movers next conference, Diego said they will just have a short break before getting back to work for the second conference.

“I have been coaching for more than ten years, but I never really coached for pros, or for athletes who are really talented and mature. I learned how to connect them all together. It’s really, really hard. So, hopefully, I’m learning, I’m still learning. And hopefully I get to learn more,” she said.

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