FEU says goodbye to Tina Salak as she shifts full focus to Akari

“As she takes the next exciting step in her career and transitions into the professional ranks, we proudly support her journey and wish her continued success at the highest level of the sport,” FEU said in a statement.

“This is a well-deserved opportunity, and we are confident she will make a meaningful impact in the next chapter of her coaching career.”

(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team

The 49-year-old mentor first took over the Lady Tamaraws in UAAP Season 85, leading the team to a 6-8 record and a fifth-place finish. She stepped down after that campaign following her move to the United States.

Salak returned to FEU in Season 87 and delivered her lone Final Four appearance as head coach, steering the Lady Tamaraws to a 9-5 record and the fourth seed. FEU’s campaign ended in the semifinals at the hands of eventual champion National University.

In what proved to be her final season with the program, Salak guided the Lady Tamaraws to another fifth-place finish with an 8-6 record. FEU narrowly missed a return to the Final Four after falling to the University of Santo Tomas in the playoff for the fourth and final semifinal berth.

Across her three seasons at the helm, Salak compiled an overall record of 23 wins and 19 losses.

“We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Coach Tina Salak for her outstanding leadership and commitment to the team over the past four seasons. Her dedication, passion, and tireless efforts have played a significant role in shaping our program and elevating our standards both on and off the field,” the statement read.

“We thank Coach Tina once again for everything she has given to the FEU volleyball program.”

The Lady Tamaraws have yet to announce Salak’s replacement. The incoming coach will inherit a largely intact roster bannered by Gerz Petallo, Jaz Ellarina, Alyzza Devosora, and Marga Encarnacion, among others.