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Cha Cuñada finds new fulfillment in deputy role for Letran Lady Knights

NCAA By BEA MICALLER,GMA Integrated News Known for her calm demeanor on the court as a player, Cha Cuñada now brings that same steady presence to the Colegio de San Juan de Letran women's volleyball coaching staff in the NCAA. The 25-year-old former outside spiker admitted she was never the vocal leader back in her playing years and hat's exactly what she is using now in guiding the next generation of the Lady Knights. "Mostly po talaga, [ang trabaho ko sa team ay] para lang nila akong ate. Parang ako kumbaga 'yung taga-balance sa team kasi syempre si coach 'pag nagagalit, so parang sa akin sila nagra-rant or humihingi ng advice," Cuñada told GMA News Online. "Pero at the same time, sa skills din kasi naging player din naman ako kaya tumulong-tulong din ako pagdating sa drill. Pinagkakatiwalaan din naman ako ni Coach O (Oliver Almadro) and 'yung mga players alam ko naman na nakikinig din naman sila sa akin." As a silent operator, Cuñada made sure her game did the talking. The 5-foot-5 hitter suited up for both the indoor and beach volleyball teams for Letran from Season 94 to Season 98, a stretch that saw her leading the Lady Knights to a beach volleyball crown in Season 98 and bagging the MVP plum in the process. She has now transitioned to coaching, helping Letran head coach Oliver Almadro full-time since Season 99 as they look to lead the rebirth of the Lady Knights. Cuñada admitted that transitioning from player to coach wasn't easy, especially since many of the players on the current roster were once her teammates, making it tricky to strike the right balance in her new role. "At first, mahirap kasi maraming players dito 'yung naabutan pa akong maglaro, sina Lara, si Nathalie [Estreller], si Juday [Nitura]. So parang ang hirap, hindi ko alam kung paano 'yung magiging approach ko sa kanila," Cuñada, who previously had stints with Chery Tiggo and Cignal, added. "Pero na-realize ko na hindi naman lahat kailangan idaan sa taas ng boses, nakikinig naman sila kahit 'pag kinakausap ko lang nang maayos." —JKC, GMA Integrated News