She is a very strong woman who will not really let you down despite whatever situation you’re in.

PATRICK Aquino draws motivation from his girlfriend, Myla Pablo.

When you portray a successful coach, the usual definition would be an old, grumpy old man with countless strands of silver hair and bags large enough to peek through thick eyeglasses.

At 48 years old, Aquino is enjoying the best of both worlds.

Although he hardly looks stressed, he already has glowing credentials that could give more seasoned coaches a run for their money.

His National University (NU) women’s basketball squad remains undefeated in more than six years with 96 consecutive victories in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines while the national women’s basketball team is just fresh from plucking the country’s first gold medal in the Southeast Asian Games.

And behind this massive success is a woman.

“We are like teammates who work for the betterment of our team,” said Aquino, referring to Myla Pablo, the volleyball superstar who has been his girlfriend for five years.

“She is a very strong woman who will not really let you down despite whatever situation you’re in.”

He said despite the fact that they came from entirely different sports, they understand each other and make sure to push each other to strive for the best.

“That’s probably the reason why our relationship is still working. We never let each other down. We encourage each other and provide strength and joy to each other,” he said.

“And what’s good is that we’re working together to help each other grow and shine in our respective fields.”

Aquino and Pablo met each other at the gymnasium of NU.

Aquino was the youthful, dashing head coach of the women’s basketball team while Pablo was the volleyball star who has been lifting the Lady Bulldogs year in and year out.

They kept their relationship low key to comply to university rules, but as soon as Pablo stepped out of the campus after her graduation to play in the Philippine Superliga and Premier Volleyball League, they proudly announced that they are a couple.

When the news broke out, the fans became curious.

After all, it’s not everyday that a 48-year-old coach dates a woman 22 years her junior, who also made a big name for herself in her own field.

But Aquino and Pablo refused to let public opinion affect their relationship.

“We knew we can’t keep it low all the time. But we’re ready for it,” said Aquino, the former University of the Philippines star who burst into basketball as forward for Blu Detergent in the Philippine Basketball League before falling prey to injuries.

“I think our jobs as coach and player require us to face the public. I know they will ask about our relationship. We’re ready for it. We know we’re not doing anything wrong and we’re happy with what’s going on.”

Aquino said they do not outgrow each other.

In fact, whenever they feel that one is drifting away, they hold each other’s hand to make sure that they remain on the same page — both as a couple and as good friends.

“She may be younger than me, but she knows how to approach each matter that helps in carrying out this relationship,” Aquino said.

“But aside from that, we also make it to a point that we always communicate — from the smallest things to the biggest issues. That, for me, is the secret to a strong and healthy relationship.”

Aquino added that it’s all about giving and taking: You should understand your partner’s needs and make sure to provide everything she wants.

“If you don’t understand your partner’s needs, what’s the point of being together?” Aquino said.

“Sometimes, she’s the one reminding me not to be too hard on my players because I may not know what they’re going through. She said they maybe suffering from emotional trouble or anything that’s why they’re having a hard time keeping their focus.”

“On the same note, I give her pointers in volleyball, not just from a perspective of a partner, but from a perspective of a coach.”