PVL: Farm Fresh names Japanese Shota Sato as new coach

MANILA, Philippines — Japanese Shota Sato has taken over the coaching reins of Farm Fresh ahead of the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference starting July 16 at Philsports Arena.

The Foxies on Saturday announced that Sato replaced Jerry Yee, who took over their sister team, ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles.

“Meet our new head coach who will call the shots for the Foxies starting in the Reinforced Conference, all the way from Japan, Shota Sato,” the team wrote. “We look forward to see the team continuously learn from you, coach! Let’s do this!”

READ: PVL: Farm Fresh taps Yeny Murillo for Reinforced Conference

Sato became the third Japanese head coach in the PVL after Taka Minowa, who started with Nxled before transferring to Akari, and Petro Gazz mentor Koji Tsuzurabara.

Sato, an assistant coach for reigning PVL Invitational champion Kurashiki Ablaze, has started working with Farm Fresh in the All-Filipino Conference as part of Yee’s coaching staff, which includes Japanese consultant Hideo Suzuki and deputy Shimizu Mikihiro and Asaka Tamaru, who will serve as ZUS Coffee’s import.

Sato will be inheriting young guns Trisha Tubu, Kate Santiago, Caitlin Viray, Alyssa Bertolano, Louie Romero, and Rizza Cruz as well as Colombian import Yeny Murillo.

READ: PVL Draft: Farm Fresh Foxies still mulling their picks

The Foxies will pick fourth overall in the Rookie Draft on Monday at Novotel.

Farm Fresh opens its campaign against Chery Tiggo on July 16.

The Foxies are slated in Pool A, which includes All-Filipino champion Creamline, PLDT, Galeries Tower, and Nxled.