ASA-PHIL Clinic Featuring International Coaches Ignites New Era for Softball in the Philippines
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 10 Jan 2025
In a landmark event poised to redefine the future of Philippine softball, international coaching luminaries Steven Figueroa and Skylynne Ellazar led a transformative two-day clinic organized by the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (ASA-PHIL). Held on January 8-9 at Rizal Memorial Stadium, the clinic gathered 45 coaches and 100 athletes, including members of the national team, in a powerful initiative that has already sparked calls for similar programs nationwide.
Figueroa, a former professional baseball player turned elite coach, shared his wealth of experience, emphasizing resilience, character, and learning from setbacks as cornerstones of athletic growth. "Athletics is about more than skills—it’s about building perseverance and mental toughness," Figueroa said, inspiring attendees with his personal journey and actionable insights.
Ellazar, an accomplished softball coach and head of the Philippine National U18 Team, delivered her signature dynamic training style, focusing on fundamentals, mental focus, and excelling under pressure. "Softball is not just physical; it’s a mental game," Ellazar said during her sessions, which left players energized and equipped to elevate their performance.
The clinic provided a rare opportunity for coaches and athletes, particularly those from provincial areas, to gain exposure to world-class training techniques. Many participants expressed their enthusiasm for expanding similar programs to other parts of the country, recognizing the potential to strengthen grassroots softball and baseball communities.
Coach Skylynne Ellazar with Coach Steven Figueroa sharing their knowledge of the game that elevates performance and inspires athletes to reach their full potential.
ASA-PHIL President Jean Henri Lhuillier highlighted the significance of the event in advancing sports development. "Investing in young athletes is key to building a sustainable and successful sports culture in the Philippines," Lhuillier said. "This clinic is just the beginning, and we are committed to empowering the next generation of players and coaches." He also emphasized the importance of international expertise, adding, "Investing in getting top international coaches to train our athletes and coaches is essential. Their knowledge and experience bring a new level of excellence that will help Filipino talent thrive on the global stage."
The event also featured the active participation of national team coaches, including Blu Girls Head Coach Ana Maria G. Santiago, Asst. Coach, Anthony Santos, Jerome Bacarisas and Mary Ann Antolihao and Blu Boys Head Coach, Jasper Cabrer, Asst. Coach, Isidro Abello, Julius Cesar Visaya and Marlon Pagkaliwagan, who lent their expertise and support to the program.
As the event concluded, the overwhelming success of the clinic underscored the impact of expert coaching on local sports development. The collaboration between ASA-PHIL and international experts has set a new benchmark for training programs in the country. With plans to expand these efforts nationwide, the future of Philippine softball looks brighter than ever, with its athletes poised to shine on the international stage.-Marlon Bernardino-
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 17 JUNE 2026: Bam Stops Vargas in 6; Wins by Michel Soro, Wilkens Mathieu, Elif Nur Turhan, Nataly Delgado and Abraham Perez
By Eric Armit, Tue, 16 Jun 2026Undefeated world champion Ataev faces experienced Venezuelan puncher Uzcátegui at IBA PRO 19
Tue, 16 Jun 2026Full Fight Card Set for MF Pro’s “Pugilist Revolution” June 19 at Thunder Studios in Long Beach
Tue, 16 Jun 2026Campbell son of Ricky Hatton confirms ring return
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 16 Jun 2026Deaño to fight for ABF super feather title
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 16 Jun 2026Former champ Andy Ruiz could return against Huggie Fury in 2026
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 16 Jun 2026Mexican legend Jackie Nava inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Mon, 15 Jun 2026Ronnie Alvarez Dominates Filip Stankovic, Scores Seventh-Round TKO at Desert Diamond Arena
Sun, 14 Jun 2026THE CROWNING OF BAM: Rodriguez Overcomes Early Storm to Detonate Vargas in Six, Eyes Inoue Super-Fight
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 14 Jun 2026New York Knicks win the NBA Championship with historic comeback
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sun, 14 Jun 2026Panamanian superstar Nataly Delgado wins 115lb female WBA world championship in Orlando, Florida
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sun, 14 Jun 2026IBA Bare Knuckle to make historic United States debut in Miami
Sun, 14 Jun 2026Laurente remains undefeated, TKOs Aguan in Gensan
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 14 Jun 2026Foundation stone laid for the first-ever IBA arena in Dushanbe
Sun, 14 Jun 2026Jerick Faeldonia Wins One Chess Movement Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 14 Jun 2026