Coach of the Year: Lauro Crisostomo

Whenever teams clinch championships, most of the accolades and the attention are given to the players who poured it all on the court with their blood, sweat, and tears. Yet behind their success is a mentor that has given them the tools and the guidance to win the titles that other athletes can only dream of.

As the lead tactician for the DLSU Table Tennis Team, coach Lauro Crisostomo has built a dynasty in a sport that GC rival UST and, more recently, UP have usually dominated since its inclusion in the UAAP’s roster of sports. Coinciding with the development of the likes of current league MVPs Walden Ledesma and Yan Lariba, the University has managed to clinch six out of the eight possible table tennis championships from both divisions in the past four seasons, an achievement that rivals the feats of UE in Fencing and NU in Lawn Tennis.

A chance visit to the nation’s capital may have led Crisostomo to the sport, but if the past few years were any indication, the trip spelled wonders not just for his career but also his post-playing career as the mentor who steered both the men’s and women’s teams to consecutive table tennis championships.

Having been a coach for the school since 2008, Crisostomo has helped in instilling the intangible traits in his players that have translated to on-court success. From helping athletes from the province adjust to life in Manila to pointing out in-game adjustments that can potentially change the complexion of the match, Crisostomo has been able to weather the storm whenever a setback threatens to derail his teams’ chances at another title.

In all levels across all sports, many athletes and coaches will agree that defending a championship is much more difficult than clinching one’s first title. Along with the mounting pressure that comes with having the target on their backs is the need for the defending champions to constantly reinvent their strategies, as their run to the title exposed all their previous tendencies and keys to victory. Add to that the improving competition, and it seems that Crisostomo will have his hands full once Season 79 opens later this year. Yet just like in the previous seasons, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Crisostomo and his team find a way to come out on top.

Honorable mentions: Ramil De Jesus (Women’s Volleyball), Joseph Orilliana (Baseball), Hans Smit (Football)