Coach Noel Zorilla

Historic win. Earned long before game day. ⚒️

Behind every big moment is the work no one sees. Consistency, discipline, and countless hours in the gym.

Proud to play a small part in Kacey Dela Rosa’s journey as she helped make history at the FIBA 3x3 World World Cup 🌎

A year ago, I started coaching a youth women's basketball team as their Strength & Conditioning Coach. 🇵🇭

Back then, they were competing in the Under-16 division.

Today, some of those same athletes are now playing at the Under-18 level.

Over that time, I've worked with a pool of 35 athletes, with 12 players eventually making the lineup.

And if there's one thing this experience has taught me, it's this:

Young female athletes don't get enough credit.

Before coaching them, I thought men's basketball was more exciting to watch because of the athleticism, height, and physical capabilities.

But coaching these athletes completely changed my perspective. 💯

Because when you don't always have the advantage of size or strength, you have to become more creative.

More skilled. ✅

More resourceful. ✅

You learn how to solve problems.

And they do all of that while balancing school, training, competitions, national tournaments, and all the physical and mental changes that come with being a teenager.

Yet they still show up. 🙌🏼

Every day. 💪🏼

One of my proudest moments as a coach didn't happen during a game.

It happened during a team meeting.

The athletes opened up about their personal experiences, challenges, and struggles.

It was one of those moments where you realize that the bond within a team goes far beyond basketball. ✨

That's when I knew that regardless of the results on the scoreboard, this was a team I would always be proud of.

A team of winners. 🏅

Not because of medals.

But because they kept showing up for one another. 🤝🏼

One thing I've also learned is that there are still many misconceptions about strength training for young female athletes.

Some people think it makes them injury-prone.

Others think it makes them too masculine.

The truth is the opposite. 🔄

When done properly, strength training helps athletes become stronger, more resilient, more confident, and better prepared for the demands of their sport.

That's why this experience has motivated me even more to continue teaching and guiding young athletes.

Because being skilled isn't enough.

Being tactically good isn't enough.

Physical preparation matters too.

Training matters.

Recovery matters.

Nutrition matters.

The process matters.

And most young athletes simply need more structure and guidance in those areas.

That's also the reason I'm currently building an 8-week workout plan for youth athletes. 🔜

A program designed to help them build confidence through proper progression instead of random workouts.

A program that develops the foundations of running, jumping, movement, and strength.

Because confidence doesn't come from motivation.

Confidence comes from preparation.

And after spending the last year working with these athletes, that's something I believe more than ever.

If there's one lesson I hope they carry with them long after basketball is over, it's this:

Fight for what you want regardless of the situation.

And most importantly...

Have fun. 👊🏼

Was able to give back and teach the aspiring young hoppers in Bacolod 🎭🏀

3 things I noticed as a Coach for the Youth National Team 🇵🇭

Being around young national team players reminded me of something important:

1. They are young, but they are committed.
In the National Team pool, we get to work with athletes around 12 to 18 years old. Some are still very young, but once they step on the court, you can feel how much they love the game.

They are not just kids playing basketball.
They are young athletes who want to learn, improve, and discover what they are capable of.

2. They are skilled, but they still need coaching.
A player can be talented and still need guidance.

Sometimes we say, “Bata pa naman, matututunan din nila yan.” And yes, that can be true. But the best time to teach good habits, standards, discipline, and values is while they are still young.

Good coaching is not just about making them stronger or better at the sport.
It is also about helping them grow the right way.

3. They are still figuring out who they want to be.
Not every young athlete will become a professional player, and that is okay.

For some, sports can help them get an education, support their family, or open better opportunities in life. That is why it is also important to let them explore life outside basketball.

They need discipline, but they also need space to grow as people.

At the end of the day, youth sports should help kids become better athletes — but more importantly, better people. 💯