BEHIND every medal and record-breaking performance is a coach whose dedication, discipline, and vision shape young athletes into champions. Coaches do more than refine skills—they instill resilience, discipline, and a winning mindset.
Long road to excellence
Becoming an elite athlete takes years of training, discipline, and perseverance. Coaches, who have spent years refining their methods, understand that molding top-tier competitors takes time.
“It takes three to four years to develop a high-caliber athlete who can reach Palarong Pambansa because not everyone gets that far,” shared Beverly Villarino, a veteran athletics coach from Santo Tomas National High School.
Coaches like Villarino have guided student-athletes to national competitions and earned them scholarships at prestigious universities. Among them are Carlo Caong, a Palarong Pambansa gold medalist in the discus throw who secured a De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde scholarship, and Jestoni Magarzo, a double bronze medalist who continued at Far Eastern University.
He also coached Lorenz "Frankenspikes" Datiles, a multiple Davraa Meet 2024 gold medalist, now a varsity scholar at the University of Santo Tomas.
Beyond training
Coaches do more than teach technique and strategy—they cultivate mental toughness and help athletes push past setbacks.
““A true champion develops starting from a dream, nga si bata naa jud siyay pangandoy. Once si bata nay pangandoy, motivated siya nga kab-uton niya iyang pangandoy. Sa pagkuha sa iyang pangandoy, dinha na mo sunod ang imohang training, ang imohang discipline (A champion starts with a dream. When a child has a goal, they become motivated to achieve it. With that motivation comes training and discipline),” Villarino emphasized.
Beyond coaching, many mentors ensure their athletes have proper equipment, access to training facilities, and even necessities. Initiatives like Project Sapatos, which provides quality shoes for student-athletes, show how coaches extend their support beyond the track and field.
Coaching evolution
Over the years, Davraa’s coaching methods have evolved from traditional techniques to more scientific approaches.
“There have been big changes, from traditional to scientific coaching. As a coach, you have to be flexible,” Villarino noted.
This shift has helped more athletes reach national competitions, cementing DAVRAA’s reputation as a breeding ground for top-tier talent.
Lessons for aspiring athletes
For young athletes, perseverance and resilience are key, as failure is part of success.
“Padayon lang, dili ma-discourage kung mapildi, because I believe failure is an integral part of success. Before ka mahimong champion, moagi jud ka’g kapildi, kay wala ju’y nahimong champion nga wala napildi. Don’t just trust the process but embrace it (Keep going—don’t be discouraged by losses. No champion has ever won without first experiencing defeat. Don’t just trust the process, embrace it),” Villarino said.
Across Davraa, countless coaches dedicate themselves to shaping athletes—not just into competitors but into individuals who value hard work, discipline, and determination. Behind every champion is a coach who believes in them first. KBP