Veteran volleyball mentor Sinfronio “Sammy” Acaylar passed away on Thursday morning at the age of 66.

Acaylar suffered a stroke on Monday night and was confined in the intensive care unit of the University of Perpetual Help Hospital in Las Piñas City.

He was regarded as one of the most respected coaches in Philippine volleyball, playing a key role in the sport’s growing popularity in the country.

Acaylar was part of the coaching staff of Russian coach Stanislav Lugailo when the national women’s volleyball team won its last gold medal in the Southeast Asian Games in Singapore in 1993. He last served as a national coach for the men’s team during the 29th SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur in 2017.

He revitalized the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta volleyball program, transforming its men’s team into a collegiate powerhouse with a four-year winning streak and multiple National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) titles. He later became the Altas’ sports director.

Acaylar also coached Cignal and Sta. Lucia in the now-defunct Philippine Superliga before joining Gerflor in the Premier Volleyball League—a stint that was cut short by wage issues that led to the team’s disbandment.

Before his passing, Acaylar was coaching Savouge Aesthetics in the Spikers' Turf.

“See you in the resurrection morning, my ever dearest coach. We love you,” Macky Cariño, one of Acaylar’s trusted deputies, posted on social media shortly after news of his passing broke.