The Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (Asa-Phil) has tapped world-class coach Steven Figueroa to lead the Philippine women’s softball team, the Blu Girls, to greater heights this year.
Right from the start, the former professional baseball player established a culture of excellence grounded in pride, discipline, and unwavering standards as the team gears up for major international tournaments.
“This group has the discipline, the heart, and now, the structure to compete fiercely with the world’s best,” said Figueroa. “We’re not just preparing for tournaments—we’re forging a world-class softball program.”
Figueroa is no stranger to Philippine softball, having worked with Asa-Phil in the past. He attributes the team’s rising momentum to the steadfast support of Asa-Phil and its president, Jean Henri Lhuillier, who also heads Cebuana Lhuillier as President and CEO.
“What Mr. Lhuillier has done is nothing short of amazing. The girls have everything they need—from equipment to financial support. That level of backing empowers our athletes,” Figueroa added.
A passionate sports patron, Lhuillier has long supported Philippine softball and tennis. Through Cebuana Lhuillier Sports, his advocacy continues to uplift Filipino athletes. He remains fully committed to the Blu Girls’ journey and hand-picked Figueroa to lead the team’s development.
“Coach Steven is a driving force,” said Lhuillier. “He doesn’t just hone individual talent—he’s implementing a system that elevates the sport of softball across the country. Under his visionary direction, I’m convinced he can take Philippine softball to even greater heights and set new benchmarks for success.”
A former baseball player turned elite softball coach, Figueroa brings a deep passion for developing women’s softball. Earlier this year, he led a two-day clinic at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium with fellow coach Skylynne Ellazar, training over 100 athletes and 45 coaches. The clinic emphasized not only drills but also mental fortitude, technical proficiency, and character development.
“The first thing every young athlete needs is to fall in love with the game,” Figueroa said. “Once that happens, everything else becomes a product of discipline.”
His coaching philosophy emphasizes strong technical foundations—solid base running, clean execution, and relentless practice—but also underscores the importance of mindset.
“There needs to be a standard for every player who puts on this jersey. Representing the Philippines is a privilege, and that privilege should fuel your drive.”
Figueroa recognizes the immense raw talent of the Blu Girls. His mission is to amplify their skills with an unshakable belief that they can conquer the world stage.
