L-R) UE High School Official Gerry Venturina, UE Junior Warriors Head Coach Karl Santos, UE Athletics Director Rod Roque, UE Lady Warriors Head Coach Jerry Yee, Tanduay Athletics' Jerry Tiu, UE Team Manager Jared Lao, UE President Dr. Zosimo Battad, UE Senior Vice President for Finance Florence Sy, UE Board of Trustees member Wilson Young, former UE Red Warriors Head Coach Boycie Zamar
Jerry Yee will take on the role of head coach for the Lady Warriors, while Karl Santos has been selected to lead the Junior Warriors.
Yee replaces Ronwald Dimaculangan, while Santos succeeds Ronnie Dojillo. Jared Lao will handle team manager duties for both squads.
"I am incredibly grateful to the UE community for welcoming our group with open arms. I am also thrilled about the opportunity to work with this exceptional group of coaches. UE is widely recognized for having one of the best basketball and volleyball programs in the Philippines," expressed team manager Jared, son of sports patron Frank Lao, who also supports the programs of College of Saint Benilde and Letran High School.
"With that being said, our aim is to restore the glory days of the Red Warriors. We are excited to contribute to the development of young basketball and volleyball players, helping them gradually achieve their dreams."
Yee is no stranger to the UAAP, having previously coached the women's volleyball teams of the University of the Philippines and Adamson University. He currently serves as the head coach of PVL club Farm Fresh and CSB.
"It is a privilege to have Coach Jerry Yee as our head coach. Coach Jerry's reputation and experience in the field of volleyball are well-known. With his extensive knowledge and expertise, there is no doubt that his leadership will steer the team in a new direction," said Lao.
Meanwhile, Santos, the former head coach of La Salle Green Hills, guided the Greenies to a Final Four finish in NCAA Season 95. He also serves as an assistant coach for PBA team Converge.
"Our first goal is to change the environment. We need to cultivate a competitive spirit and set high standards for these players because we aspire to establish a winning culture. Although we are a new team, our aim remains the championship," stated Santos.
Both the Junior Warriors and Lady Warriors have not reached the Final Four in several decades. The boys' basketball team last made a semi-final appearance in UAAP Season 64, while the women's volleyball team last qualified for the Final Four in Season 69.
During the previous season, the Lady Warriors finished in last place with a 1-13 record, while the Junior Warriors ended up in sixth place with a 3-11 record.
For Jared Lao, the first priority is to instill a cultural shift within the school.
"Like our other teams, we strive for excellence and aim to foster a championship culture. While victories are important, our goals extend beyond that. We want to help develop our players into not only outstanding athletes but also remarkable individuals who positively contribute to the community," emphasized Lao.