As they say, silent water runs deep.
That familiar adage cannot be truer for Creamline Cool Smashers coach Sherwin Meneses.
The runs, rallies, and randomness during matches may be unpredictable, but one thing's for sure: Meneses will always be composed. A comet could be crashing down and wipe away the entire universe and Meneses would still be as calm as a sleeping baby.
When asked about his aura after their win over the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in Game 1 of their best-of-three finals in the PVL Second All-Filipino Conference, Meneses said it's second nature for him to stay even-keeled.
"'Yung personality ko, talagang nagkaka-counter lang ako palagi kung ano 'yung nangyayari sa game. Kasi hindi mo makukuha sa sigaw 'yan e. Nag-iisip lang ako palagi ng sitwasyon na puwedeng makatulong sa players. Kasi sila 'yung naglalaro, hindi naman ako," said Meneses in the postgame press conference.
Pero hindi naman bato si coach.
"Minsan kinakahaban din, tao lang," added Meneses with a chuckle.
His poise during games is quite noticeable. The entire arena could be rocking and rolling after a critical point by Creamline, and he'd just stand on the side, with his arms folded and without even a hint of a smile.
His players can attest to his composure.
"Hindi sumisigaw si Coach Sherwin, but whenever he presses that timeout button, very technical 'yung sinasabi niya sa'min, and it helps us turn on the switch agad kung ano 'yung gagawin namin," said team captain Alyssa Valdez.
The three-time PVL champion coach may not be as loud or gregarious as other tacticians, but he sure gets his message across.
"Hindi man masyado naririnig 'yung boses ni Coach Sherwin para sa iba, para sa amin sa Creamline, malakas na malakas 'yung impact. Mahina lang 'yung boses pero powerful. 'Yun 'yung power niya," added Valdez.
Versatile star Tots Carlos pointed out that Meneses' trust in them is also a key factor.
"(Sinasabi niya), 'Kapag nataas mo, e 'di okay, kapag nadala mo sa setter, ang galing mo.' Nakakatawa kasi si coach na sobrang composed niya, hindi mo siya makikita na galit. 'Yung nakikita niyong gestures niya, normal lang 'yun. Kaya we really appreciate him talaga," said Carlos.
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Meneses' calm has also rubbed off on his wards. After all, players should be a reflection of their coach.
"Siya mismo 'yung pinagmumulan namin ng composure," added Carlos.
Meneses and his expressionless face will be tested anew in Game 2 against the do-or-die Flying Titans this Saturday.
Catch it live at 6 p.m. on One Sports, One Sports+, and the Pilipinas Live app.
(With reports from Jamie Velasco, One Sports Digital)