UAAP: Shaq delos Santos replaces Kungfu Reyes as head coach of UST

Veteran volleyball coach Shaq Delos Santos has been appointed as the new head coach of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses, succeeding Emilio “Kung Fu” Reyes. Delos Santos, who previously led UST to its last UAAP women’s volleyball championship in Season 72, returns to the team after a distinguished coaching career.

Reyes, who had been with UST since 2016, will remain involved with the program but has stepped down from his head coaching role to focus more on the team’s development. His reassignment comes after a coaching shakeup at his PVL team, Chery Tiggo, where he transitioned to an assistant position.

Delos Santos brings a wealth of experience, having also coached at FEU, the national team, and UP. He rejoined UST in 2024 as a deputy coach, focusing on middle blockers, and has been instrumental in shaping the team’s defensive strategies.

SHAQ REPLACES KUNG FU AS GOLDEN TIGRESSES HEAD COACH

BREAKING: Shaq de los Santos, the architect of UST’s last women’s volleyball title, has been named head coach of the UST Golden Tigresses, replacing Emilio “Kung Fu” Reyes. pic.twitter.com/vraFpdJ7Th

— Varsitarian Sports (@VSportsUST) June 3, 2025

Meanwhile, Reyes has been reassigned as program director overseeing both the women’s and girls’ volleyball teams. While stepping away from his head coaching duties for the seniors, Reyes will remain deeply involved in UST volleyball and will continue to serve as head coach of the girls’ volleyball squad, ensuring continuity and mentorship at the grassroots level. This strategic realignment blends Delos Santos’ championship pedigree with Reyes’ developmental vision, as UST eyes a return to UAAP dominance.

This leadership change aims to strengthen UST’s volleyball program, combining Delos Santos’ championship pedigree with Reyes’ long-standing commitment to the team.

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