Tina Salak returns to PVL as assistant coach of Akari

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

A living legend will be making her way back into the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) 2024 season.

Known as one of the top setters in the history of Philippine women’s volleyball, Tina Salak, a decorated player during her heydays, will be returning to the PVL to serve as an assistant coach of the Akari Chargers.

The Chargers made the decision official last January 24, 2024, after announcing Salak’s arrival on their social media pages.

“We have seen how she has elevated her teams in the past, which is why we are thrilled to see how she will contribute to the growth of our players this season. We are delighted to have you on our squad, Coach Tina,” Wrote Akari.

Salak will be sharing her knowledge with newly designated interim head coach Raffy Mosuela in the upcoming first conference this February.

During her playing years with the FEU Lady Tamaraws, Salak steered FEU to two championship titles and was hailed as the UAAP Season 95 Most Valuable Player (MVP) awardee.

Salak was also the Philippine national team’s main setter for four-straight years since 1997 and propelled them to one silver medal and three-straight bronze medals.

The former Lady Tamaraw also had numerous stints in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) and last saw action with the Chery Tiggo squad last 2021 when she handled a playing assistant coach role.

Currently, Salak and Mosuela have a promising pool of young stars in Faith Nisperos, Fifi Sharma, and Ced Domingo.

Backstopping the trio are the veteran members, Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Michelle Cobb, Erika Raagas, and Gretchel Soltones.

The Filipina tactician will look to improve Akari’s last outing during the All-Filipino Conference where they finished with a 5-6 win-loss record.