Volleyball coach 'Sammy' Acaylar dies at 66

Veteran volleyball coach Sinfronio 'Sammy' Acaylar passed away at 66 years old on Thursday, January 30, mourned by the University of Perpetual Help and the entire Philippine volleyball community for his significant contributions to the sport.

Acaylar, who served as the sports director and men's volleyball coach at Perpetual Help, led the Altas to numerous NCAA championships, including the 2024 season, where he was named Coach of the Year.

Beyond leading the UPHSD Men's Volleyball Team to a league-record 14 consecutive NCAA titles and being an integral part of the Cignal HD Spikers from 2013 to 2016 and the Philippine Men's Volleyball Team in multiple occasions, Acaylar was deeply revered as the heart and soul of the program.

The University of Perpetual Help System DALTA is mourning the passing of the multi-titled mentor who left an indelible mark on Philippine volleyball, specifically in the NCAA where he steered the Perpetual Altas men's volleyball team to a record unmatched in the league's history.

Coach Sammy was not just coach of the UPHSD Men's Volleyball Team, but also a beloved mentor and friend to some of the best men's volleyball players in the country.