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New Ateneo Blue Eagles’ coach Sergio Veloso watching the VNL games in Manila. – MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Sergio Veloso sat with his gaze fixed on the bout between his country, Brazil, and Italy in the Volleyball Nations League at Mall of Asia Arena.

A lot more eyes will be on him as he assumes the role of head coach of Ateneo’s women’s volleyball squad in the UAAP.

And it seems that he is aware of how hot that coaching seat can be.

“I hope the whole Ateneo community stays with us in our target not just for this season. We need to renew the program and build a strong program not just for this year but for the next year too,” the Brazilian said on Tuesday, less than 24 hours after he was named to replace Oliver Almadro as coach of the Blue Eagles.

Veloso has a bigger role, in fact, for Ateneo as he is expected to direct the programs of the high school and men’s squads.

“I’ll work with the whole program, with men’s and high school too, so it’s good not just for the women’s but the whole Ateneo volleyball program,” he said.

FILE–Ateneo Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 85. UAAP PHOTO

It is the women’s team where the gazes will be the most scrutinizing. The team, rich in talent and potential, failed to make it to the Final Four for the first time in 14 years.

But if he’s feeling any pressure, Veloso isn’t showing it.

“I’m so excited for this program now and I think it’s a good opportunity to contribute to Philippine volleyball [as a whole] too,” he said.

Veloso will have his hands full as he starts training the Blue Eagles this month while also serving as coach of the men’s national volleyball team.

Up next for the Nationals are the AVC Challenge Cup for men in Taiwan.

“We have now in the AVC, 9 and 10. We have a tune up match. I hope we can have in the next pool. After that, we will have a challenge in Indonesia at the end of next month in Manila,” he said