NU Lady Bulldogs coach Norman Miguel offered the Season 86 championship to his former mentor back when he was part of the UST Golden Tigresses coaching staff in UAAP Season 72.
National University coach Norman Miguel officially cemented his legacy in the UAAP after steering the Lady Bulldogs to the women's volleyball title in Season 86.
Not known to many, Miguel used to be part of the University of Santo Tomas coaching staff in Season 72. That was the last time UST picked up the women's volleyball championship.
So it was only fate that Miguel faced the Golden Tigresses for the Season 86 title.
"Sobrang masaya kasi first-ever UAAP title ko 'yun para sa sarili ko. Pero syempre 'yung gratitude nandun pa rin. Kung kilala nyo si boss August [Santa Maria], andyan siya nanonood siya, kaya nilapitan ko siya agad na para alam mo 'yun, para i-offer tong championship na to," Miguel said during the post-game press conference.
"Si boss August, one of my mentors sa coaching, so sobra kong grateful [sa kanya]. Masaya din ako na nakasama ko sila coach. Actually, magkakaibigan naman kami eh," he added.
As the Lady Bulldogs completed their redemption goal this season, Miguel couldn't be prouder of his team's effort throughout the season.
"Sobrang masaya kasi naging fruitful iyong pagtrabaho namin dito sa Finals na 'to, kung pa'no din namin pinag-aralan 'yung UST," Miguel said during the post-game press conference.
"Buti na lang talaga matibay 'yung character ng players namin na talagang 'pag sinabi nilang fight until the end, redeem the title, talagang gagawin talaga nila kaya sobrang nakakabilib talaga yung players ng NU," he added.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: NU focused on redemption for Season 86, says coach Norman Miguel]
NU will look to achieve back-to-back titles next Season 87.
But for now, it's a time for celebration in Jhocson.