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Tina Salak Takes The Helm: Akari Chargers Name Legendary Setter As Head Coach For PVL 2025
Photo credit: PVL
It’s official—Akari is turning a new page, and it’s one led by a familiar face in Philippine volleyball.

In a big announcement made Monday night via their social media pages, the Akari Chargers named former national team captain and volleyball icon Tina Salak as their new head coach for the 2025 season of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).

This move marks a full-circle moment for Salak, who was one of the trailblazers of the V-League back in the day. From winning Best Setter awards to leading the Philippine Army squad, and even suiting up for Chery Tiggo during the 2021 PVL bubble—Salak’s journey through the sport has been nothing short of inspiring.

Now, she’s stepping into the spotlight once again, but this time with a clipboard and whistle.

From Setter to Strategist
Salak already dipped her toes into coaching last season as an assistant to then-head coach Taka Minowa. And now, she’s officially taking over the reins in what will be her first head coaching gig in the pro league.

With her promotion comes a bit of a shake-up. Assistant coaches Rodel Canino, Vilet Ponce De Leon, and Yuga Hagashi have all exited the team as of Sunday. That gives Salak the opportunity to build her own coaching staff from the ground up.

A Team in Transition
The Chargers had an up-and-down 2024 season. They landed 7th in the All-Filipino Conference under Minowa but bounced back strong—grabbing a runner-up finish in the Reinforced Conference and a third-place podium spot in the 2024–25 All-Filipino tilt.

With Salak now steering the ship, there’s a lot of excitement (and curiosity) about what direction Akari will take moving forward. Her championship experience and leadership pedigree could be just what the team needs to take the next step.

Double Duty for Coach Tina
Despite her new pro league responsibilities, Salak isn’t stepping away from her current post in the collegiate ranks. She’ll continue to coach the FEU Lady Tamaraws in the UAAP, balancing both roles heading into a busy volleyball calendar.

No doubt, it’s a big challenge—but if there’s anyone who can handle pressure on and off the court, it’s Tina Salak.

Here’s to a new era for the Akari Chargers. Let’s see what Coach Tina cooks up for PVL 2025!
Jun 3, 2025
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