CHERY Tiggo yesterday announced the appointment of Norman Miguel as its head coach for the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League season.

Miguel takes over from Kungfu Reyes, who will transition to an assistant coach role.

Miguel, known for his successful stint with National University, where he led the Lady Bulldogs to the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball championship, is eager to take on the new challenge.

“Actually, naka-focus ako sa isang work ko, connected pa rin siya sa volleyball, and then one time, tinawagan ako ni Coach Aaron (Velez). Why not give it a try this time, more challenging kasi pro league ‘to, ‘di ba,” Miguel said.

“For me, it’s about time na ma-test ko ‘yung skills ko, kung saan tayo aabot sa ganitong level. ‘Yun din, exploring na rin para sa career ko, how is it like coaching a professional team. Honored naman ako na tinawagan ako ng Chery and happy naman ako na this time, sa professional tournament, head coach naman ako kasi before, nasa coaching staff lang ako.”

Reyes, also the head coach of the University of Santo Tomas, was appointed as Chery Tiggo’s head coach early this year but now shifts to support Miguel in an assistant coach capacity.

“First of all, wine-welcome natin si coach Norman. As a champion tactician ng National University, ‘yung experience niya na dadalhin sa team, malaking bagay,” said Reyes, whose Tigresses faced the Lady Bulldogs in the UAAP Finals.

“Luckily, nakuha natin si coach Norman na kayang magbigay ng full time and attention para sa team, so malaking bagay ‘yun para sa coming All-Filipino Conference. Goal ko naman this time is maging assistant coach niya. Diyan naman ako galing dati, tutulungan natin siya na i-guide ang team at very much welcome siya sa atin.”

During the 2024 Reinforced Conference, Chery Tiggo finished fifth. The Crossovers are hoping that Miguel’s expertise will lead them to new heights.