Despite three different head coaches in their last three championship runs, the NU Lady Bulldogs credit their strong chemistry and adaptability for sustaining their UAAP women's volleyball dynasty.
Three championships. Three different head coaches. One undeniable winning culture.
The NU Lady Bulldogs cemented their dynasty in UAAP women’s volleyball by completing a dominant title defense in Season 87—this time under a new head coach, Sherwin Meneses.
Yet despite the constant shifts in leadership, the Lady Bulldogs’ core remained intact, proving that championship chemistry can thrive no matter the system.
In Season 84, NU went undefeated under Karl Dimaculangan.
In Season 86, Norman Miguel stepped in and guided them back to the top.
This year, it was Meneses' turn to steer the ship—and the result was the same: another title.
“Every season, mas nagiging pulido 'yung galaw namin,” said three-time MVP Bella Belen. “'Yung sistema ng mga coaches na dumaan, hindi naman sobrang layo. Parang bawat isa sa kanila may na-polish sa amin, lalo na ngayon kay Coach Sherwin.”
“Ang importante, hindi nawala ‘yung chemistry. Kahit sino pa coach namin, alam naming lalaban kami.”
[ALSO READ: UAAP: NU champion coach Sherwin Meneses reflects on changing collegiate landscape]
Season 86 Finals MVP Alyssa Solomon echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of maintaining team synergy despite different tactical styles.
“Every season, mas napapaganda pa 'yung galaw namin. Importante kasi sa volleyball ‘yung sistema, at kahit magkakaiba ng coach, alam namin kung paano kami gagalaw sa court dahil sa chemistry namin,” Solomon shared. “Kahit sino pang coach ang humawak sa amin, alam naming lalaban kami.”
[ALSO READ: What makes third UAAP title special for NU’s Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon?]
Meanwhile, Lams Lamina, who clinched her second Best Setter award this season, credits the team’s continuity and shared vision for their sustained dominance.
“Matagal na kaming magkakasama, kaya natural na ‘yung galaw namin,” she said. “Pare-pareho kami ng goal—'yung championship.”
[ALSO READ: Lams Lamina gushes moment with Jia de Guzman during NU’s UAAP title win: ‘Kinikilig ako’]
Far from being disrupted by coaching changes, the Lady Bulldogs adapted with ease, showing that while systems may shift, their identity as a team remains solid.
A huge part of that is the team’s quick transition from Nazareth School to National University.
With this latest championship, NU becomes the first back-to-back UAAP women’s champion since La Salle’s three-peat from Seasons 78 to 80.