Student Coaches: A Recognition Long Overdue

𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬: 𝐀 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐮𝐞

By: Khyrus Santos




The focus is always on the action, but never behind the curtains


As the Bulacan State University’s Intramurals 2023 draws to a close, we recall the energetic atmosphere and the enthusiastic contenders of the events, despite the weather. But it is not only the contenders who were there, nor the cheering audience: there are also the student coaches who guided these athletes, who are never in the limelight.


Dan Francis Madrazo was the student coach of the CALGreen Raven Taekwondo Team. Despite having an interest in this martial art, he initially had no interest in coaching the team.


“It’s more of a request from a friend as there is no one interested or capable enough to coach taekwondo players. But overall, I am honored to coach the CAL Taekwondo Team,” Dan Madrazo states.

James Daniel Danio coached the CAL Green Ravens Women’s Basketball Team. A passionate fan of the sport, he was invited to the position through a player in the team.

“Since I really love basketball, I did not hesitate to grab it,” he states.

Like other student coaches of various sports like sepak takraw, table tennis, or volleyball, they set to work training their athletes to be in their best shape, and it really does show in their performances.

Of course, as in any sport, results do vary. The CAL Women’s Basketball Team got eliminated very early in the games, while the CAL Taekwondo Team managed to win home some medals. This does not diminish the hard work and determination displayed by each player in their respective sport.

There are regrets too. As James Danio would state, he would regret not being made a coach earlier, as he felt more training was needed, as well as time to find players with the skill set to increase their chance of victory.

Even with all those regrets and what-ifs, these coaches are proud of their teams.

“All the credit belongs to the players, as they busted their power, sweat, and time just to compete,” Dan Madrazo said humbly.

“They fought a good fight despite their inexperience. They committed to it and even managed to get one win in three games. I’m proud of the team,” James Danio said, and, adding with a bit of jest, “And for the record, they were the first one to break the 9 point curse of CAL.”

Congratulate the players, of course, for their stellar performance, but let us not forget to recognize the wonderful student coaches who helped and gave their all in making great and wonderful athletes for an energetic Intramurals 2023.

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