Coach Sammy Acaylar.–PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Decorated volleyball coach Sinfronio “Sammy” Acaylar passed away at 66 years old on Thursday.
University of Perpetual Help and the Philippine volleyball community mourned the death of Acaylar, who was also the Altas’ former sports director and men’s volleyball coach.
Article continues after this advertisement
“Coach Sammy was more than just the Head Coach of the Perpetual ALTAS Men’s Volleyball team—he was the heart and soul of the program. Through his unwavering dedication and passion, he led the team to numerous NCAA championships, shaping not just athletes, but inspiring countless lives along the way,” the school wrote.
READ: PVL: Sammy Acaylar ‘grateful’ after long-awaited recognition from hometown
“His loss leaves a void that words cannot fill, but his legacy will forever live on in the hearts of those he guided, cheered for, and believed in.”
Acaylar steered Perpetual Help’s men’s volleyball program to 14 NCAA championships, which was the most in the league. Under Acaylar’s tutelage, the Altas also notched a league record of 53 straight wins spanning from 2010 to 2014.
Article continues after this advertisement
The Altas, who will be gunning for its fifth straight championship, will dedicate their campaign in Season 100 to their late coach.
The veteran coach, known for his discipline, also steered the women’s volleyball team, led by Royse Tubino, to a “three-peat” from 2012 to 2014.
Acaylar was part of the coaching staff of the Philippine men’s volleyball team that won the last Southeast Asian Games gold medal in the 1993 edition in Singapore under Russian tactician Stanislav Lugailo.
He also handled the national men’s team in the 2017 edition in Kuala Lumpur.
READ: PVL: Sammy Acaylar says ‘time will come’ as he brings winning pedigree to Gerflor
Acaylar was the founding coach of both Cignal men’s and women’s teams. He once handled the defunct Sta. Lucia in the 2017 Philippine Superliga and took over the University of the East men’s program in the UAAP Season 80 in 2018.
His last PVL stint was with the defunct Gerflor, which had alleged wage issues in 2023 and helped his players fight for their rights.
He also coached Imus and Savouge Aesthetics in the Spikers’ Turf.
“It’s hard to find the right words to honor Coach Sammy Acaylar. You gave so much to the sport and to your players. Your lessons will stay with us forever, and your love for the game will live on in everything we do,” Savouge posted on social media.” You taught us how to be better people. Thank you, Coach, for all your wisdom and guidance. You will never be forgotten.”
Former men’s national team captain John Vic De Guzman expressed gratitude to his former coach, who trusted him to skipper the Philippine squad.
“Naaalala ko nung una kitang nakaharap sa NCAA, gustong gusto kita talunin dahil ang dami mo nang championships. Alam na alam kong ayaw mong magpatalo kaya sinusungitan mo ako kada magkakatapat tayo sa volleyball court,” wrote De Guzman, who steered College of Saint Benilde to its first title in 2017 after beating Acaylar and Perpetual.
“From being rivals, you became a good coach, friend, mentor and parent to the volleyball players you handled. One of the legends of Philippine Volleyball! Saludo kami sayo lahat. We love you coach Sam! Rest easy.”
Former Perpetual Help libero Jheck Dionela was also grateful to her college coach.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.
“Rest easy, Coach Sammy. Maraming salamat po sa lahat,” wrote the Farm Fresh Foxy.
