A Lady Falcon through and through.
Bang Pineda has started wearing a new hat as she fulfills her duties as an assistant coach for the Adamson Lady Falcons. Under chief tactician JP Yude, the Akari Chargers star is helping her alma mater make waves in the 2023 Shakey’s National Invitationals. On Tuesday, the spikers from San Marcelino, Ermita put on a dominant performance as they defeated the Lyceum Lady Pirates, 25-17, 25-18, 25-22.
Pineda, who made her presence felt from the sidelines, was thrilled with being part of the experience.
“Masaya siyempre. Parang going back kung saan ba talaga ko nanggaling. And kung bakit ako Bang Pineda ngayon is dahil doon din ako nakilala sa Adamson,” the 32-year-old floor defender said in an interview during the game.
For the decorated libero, she’s presented with the perfect opportunity to give back to the community that helped her become an accomplished volleyball player.
“Siguro ibabalik ko lang din kung ano ‘yung mga nakuha ko and naitulong nila sa akin. So, tutulong lang din ako,” Pineda explained.
Adamson is coming off a Final Four appearance in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament. With the addition of a seasoned talent like Pineda to its coaching staff, things should only get better.
As a player, Bang made her first appearance in the national team this year in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. In the PVL, she remains a stalwart for the Jorge de Brito-mentored squad. Who knows? In a couple of years, she might turn out to be a standout assistant coach as well.
(GM)