Veteran coach Kungfu Reyes expressed gratitude to University of Santo Tomas (UST) for entrusting him with a bigger role as program director of the school’s women’s and girls’ volleyball programs.

Despite being stripped of his head coaching position with the Tigresses after a decade-long tenure, Reyes will remain a valuable volleyball fixture for the black and gold.

UST, through the Institute of Physical Education and Athletics (IPEA), announced on Tuesday the appointment of Reyes’ deputy Shaq delos Santos as the new women’s team head coach.

UST made the move, hoping Delos Santos would bring the same magic to finally end a 15-year title drought in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).

Reyes was given a new position while retaining his spot as mentor of the girl’s team, a job he has held since 2013.

“Thank you, UST-IPEA, for another wonderful opportunity and (IPEA Director) Fr. Rodel Cansancio,” Reyes wrote on his Facebook account shortly after news of his new role broke out.

Reyes also congratulated Delos Santos, whom he worked with before as deputy in the women’s national team, in his return to the helm of the squad he steered to its last UAAP crown back in Season 72.

“And congratulations, Coach Cesael ‘Shaq’ de los Santos. Let’s go, Season 88! Go, USTe!” Reyes posted.

Reyes took the Tigresses to a couple of runner-up finishes during his tenure.

He brought UST back to the finals in 2019 with the power-hitting duo of Sisi Rondina and Eya Laure but fell short to Ateneo de Manila University in a thrilling three-game series.

The España-based squad returned to the league’s biggest stage in 2024 only to fall at the hands of the Bella Belen-bannered National University.

Reyes has been with the Junior Tigresses since 2004 as assistant coach of Francis Vicente before taking over in 2013. He steered the team to four high school titles.