In the run-up to the much-anticipated finale of the PVL On Tour, Chery Tiggo head coach Norman Miguel is taking a different route – one less focused on drills and more on deepening the emotional and mental ties that bind his team.
Rather than overloading his wards with last-minute systems work or tweaks, Miguel is choosing to let them do their thing – trusting the process, trusting his staff, but most importantly, trusting his players. His emphasis isn’t on hardline tactics, but on a philosophy rooted in something more intangible – connection.
Miguel isn’t guessing here. He speaks from experience – the same approach led him to steer the National U Lady Bulldogs to a title redemption campaign in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament just last year. For him, that victory wasn’t won solely on the court, but in the hearts and minds of his players.
“Sa tingin ko lang, based na rin doon sa mga past experiences ko na na-swertihan na napag-champion, yung connection,” said Miguel. “Yung connection with the players sa akin kasi malaking bagay yun – na may nae-establish kang relationship. Although syempre hindi siya smooth flowing, during the training may mga bumps yan eh. But still, hindi mo dapat i-give up yung connection mo sa bawat isa, kasi doon magbi-build yung trust.”
It’s this relational approach that Miguel believes is the true game-changer, especially in high-pressure matches where talent often evens out and mental resilience becomes the difference.
“Every time may nagtatanong sa akin, yun lagi yung sinasabi ko. Importante sa akin yung maka-connect ako – mapasok ko yung sarili ko doon sa kaloob-looban nila at magkaintindihan kami,” he said with conviction.
And that connection isn’t just emotional – it manifests in on-court chemistry, trust in the system and the collective effort Miguel continues to preach.
“Sa team namin, kailangan talaga magko-contribute lahat. Based sa experience namin, pag natatalo kami, isa o dalawa lang ang nagdadala,” he pointed out. “Pero ngayon, bawat isa nakakapagbigay ng points. There are three or four players consistently hitting double digits – malaking bagay yun.”
The Crossovers’ resurgence under Miguel has been both gradual and resolute. From middling finishes in recent conferences – back-to-back eighth places, a fourth in the Reinforced, and another fourth in the All-Filipino – the team struggled to return to its 2021 championship form.
Things began to shift when Miguel took over late last year. Their preseason campaign started strong, sweeping the first three matches. But a loss to ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, after blowing a 2–1 set lead, could’ve derailed them. Instead, it became a turning point.
They bounced back emphatically – routing Galeries Tower in the knockout round, halting the surging Nxled Chameleons, and dismissing the fancied HD Spikers in the semifinals. It’s been a campaign built not just on talent, but on adaptability and unity under adversity.
“Hindi talaga madali ‘yung pinagdadaanan namin,” said Miguel. “These past few days, merong mga players na hindi nakaka-attend ng training dahil may sakit. Sa amin kasi, kahit simpleng colds, hindi ka na a-attend. Pero na-manage namin siya. Eto na ‘yung resulta.”
Integral to the team’s success has been the seamless blend of seasoned veterans and hungry rookies. Ara Galang, Cess Robles and Imee Hernandez have provided not just scoring and stability, but also a calming presence and leadership.
Meanwhile, rookies like Renee Peñafiel, Jyne Soreño and Erika Deloria have impressed with their fearless play and infectious energy.
Miguel lauded the veterans for their willingness to guide the younger players and nurture the connection he values so much, ensuring everyone on the floor plays with the same rhythm and purpose.
But the job isn’t done. The mission is not yet complete. Standing in their way in Sunday’s championship match at the SM Mall of Asia Arena is an unbeaten PLDT team, riding high with a 7-0 record and oozing confidence.
Chery Tiggo’s journey, however, has been defined by reclamation, reconnection and revival. From underwhelming finishes to title contention, the Crossovers have evolved into a team with heart, humility and hunger.
But only when they play as a cohesive and united team will they be able to put the cherry on top.
