Ateneo deputy Sandy Arespacochaga is the brand new Gilas girls coach.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–The Gilas Pilipinas women’s youth program has tapped veteran coach Sandy Arespacochaga to handle the national team ahead of the 2026 Fiba Women’s U18 Asia Cup Seaba Qualifiers.
Gilas Women program director Bacon Austria welcomed the appointment of Arespacochaga, citing the longtime coach’s experience and talent to develop young players.
“He’s a teacher. At this stage, he suits perfectly in shaping the women’ future,” Austria said.
“Greater than winning, his focus is on developing the women into higher basketball players and higher people. On the basketball aspect, Coach Sandy isn’t any stranger to Fiba tournaments. He’s already coached Gilas Youth Men and assisted Gilas Men on the World Cup level.”
Arespacochaga has built an in depth coaching résumé in each collegiate and skilled basketball.
He currently serves as an assistant coach under Tab Baldwin with the Ateneo Blue Eagles within the UAAP and can also be a part of Chot Reyes’ staff with TNT Tropang 5G within the PBA.
Now, he adds one other role as head coach of the Gilas Pilipinas U-18 Women’s team.
“I’ve been a fan of ladies’s basketball, but I’ve never coached women’s basketball, so I’m really thankful for this chance,” Arespacochaga said.
“We formed the pool with the concept not only of forming the team for Seaba. We desired to form a pool that included players whom we will help out and help elevate because we desired to elevate women’s basketball as a complete.”
Arespacochaga is ready to officially begin his duties next month.
The 2026 Fiba Women’s U18 Asia Cup Seaba Qualifiers shall be held in Bacolod from June 2 to six.
The Philippines has already secured a spot within the 2026 Fiba Women’s U18 Asia Cup after winning Division B in 2024 to earn promotion to Division A.