Rald Ricafort, Shaq Delos Santos lead race for coaching spotlight in PVL All-Star Game

While fan voting has begun to shape the spotlight for the PVL All-Star Game, another compelling storyline is quietly taking form behind the scenes on who will call the shots from the sidelines. 

As the first week of voting shows the result last March 22, the league’s brightest stars are leading the polls, but it is the success of teams in the preliminary round that is expected to determine the head coaches for the much-anticipated Team Heart versus Team Hustle clash.

With the preliminary phase now in the books and the league moving into the play-in and qualifying rounds, attention shifts to the standings—where the PLDT High Speed Hitters and the Cignal Super Spikers have emerged as the top two teams in the preliminary round. 

PLDT secured the No. 1 spot with a 7-2 record under head coach Rald Ricafort, while Cignal followed closely at 6-3, guided by veteran tactician Shaq Delos Santos. These two coaches are in prime position to take charge of the All-Star squads.

But beyond standings, this potential coaching duel represents a meeting of two different yet equally accomplished journeys. 

Ricafort has steadily built a reputation for adaptability and success, becoming the first PVL coach to win championships with two different teams, first with Petro Gazz in the 2022 Reinforced Conference and later with PLDT in 2025. 

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As announced by the PVL, the head coaches for the All-Star event will come from the top two teams in the All-Filipino elimination round.

Rald Ricafort – PLDT
Shaq Delos Santos – CIGNAL https://t.co/y8e4q2TvAp pic.twitter.com/3vg24W6Hhz

— Torey Canino (@tj_canino) March 23, 2026

His current squad’s consistency this season only strengthens the idea that he could bring that same winning system into the All-Star stage.

On the other side is Delos Santos, whose experience stretches across multiple leagues and generations of players. Aside from steering Cignal’s strong campaign since 2021, he also balances duties in the collegiate scene, currently handling UST in the UAAP. His return to the university program carries historical weight, having last delivered a championship for the school in Season 72 back in 2010. 

A four-time champion coach in the PSL, Delos Santos brings a wealth of experience that could prove invaluable in managing an All-Star lineup filled with elite talent.

What makes this year’s All-Star format more intriguing is the level of influence given to the coaches. While fans determine the starters through voting, coaches will have a direct hand in shaping the rest of the roster, from selecting reserve players alongside a committee to organizing rotations and strategies during the game. 

They are also tasked with appointing assistant coaches, further extending their imprint on the team’s identity. The format ensures a balance between fan engagement and competitive integrity.

Starters voted by fans will open the match and play until a set point threshold, after which reserves will take over, guaranteeing equal exposure for all selected players. In the final set, coaches will be given full control of substitutions, allowing them to experiment and manage the flow of the game.

With voting running from March 15 to April 11 and the All-Star event set for May 1 at the Candon City Arena, the race is not just about which players make the cut—but also which coaching minds will be entrusted to lead them.

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