Veteran volleyball coach Sammy Acaylar dies

Metro Manila, Philippines - Veteran volleyball coach Sinfronio "Sammy" Acaylar died at the age of 66 on Thursday.

University of Perpetual Help System DALTA-Las Piñas paid tribute to its former sports director and men’s volleyball coach in its social media post.

There was no mention of the cause of death.

“Coach Sammy was more than just the Head Coach of the Perpetual ALTAS Men’s Volleyball team—he was the heart and soul of the program. Through his unwavering dedication and passion, he led the team to numerous NCAA championships, shaping not just athletes, but inspiring countless lives along the way,” the school said.

"His loss leaves a void that words cannot fill, but his legacy will forever live on in the hearts of those he guided, cheered for, and believed in,” it added.

Acaylar turned Perpetual Help's men's volleyball team into a powerhouse squad in the NCAA, winning 14 titles. Under his guidance, the team also went undefeated from 2010 to 2014.

Acaylar was part of the Philippine women’s volleyball team coaching staff that won the last Southeast Asian Games gold medal in 1993 in Singapore with Russian coach Stanislav Lugailo.

Acaylar last served as the national men’s volleyball team head coach in 2017 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Acaylar called the shots for Cignal and Sta. Lucia in the now-defunct Philippine Superliga before joining Gerflor in the Premier Volleyball League.

Acaylar also handled teams from the University of the East and De La Salle University in the UAAP, and Savouge Spin Doctors in the Spikers’ Turf.