Philippines, 07 Apr 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


ASA-PHIL Clinic Featuring International Coaches Ignites New Era for Softball in the Philippines


PhilBoxing.com


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:

  • Canelo Expected to Return on September 15 in Riyadh
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 07 Apr 2026
  • Ring Masters Championships 2026 Finals April 10 at Madison Square Garden
    , Tue, 07 Apr 2026
  • Jeffrey de Luna keep the Philippines alive in the 2026 Yalin WPA Men's 8-ball World Championship in St. Louis, Missouri, USA
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 07 Apr 2026
  • NOTHING BUT SPORTZ PRESENTS GAMBOA & RIGONDEAUX — MAY 2 IN MIAMI ONE NIGHT. SAME CARD. HAVANA HEAT
    , Mon, 06 Apr 2026
  • Wilkens Mathieu Against Olympic Medallist Esquiva Falcao at the Théâtre Capitole of Quebec City on June 11!
    , Mon, 06 Apr 2026
  • National Master Jasper Faeldonia rules Romblon chessfest
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 06 Apr 2026
  • Twin wins for Pinoy boxers
    By Joaquin Henson, , Sun, 05 Apr 2026
  • NM Buto spearheads Goldland Chess Club
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 05 Apr 2026
  • Andreas Cortes vs Eridson Garcia Tops Paramount Plus Card
    By Chris Carlson, , Sun, 05 Apr 2026
  • Chris "Sandman" Thomas Back in the Win Column
    , Sun, 05 Apr 2026
  • Taduran Stops Pérez in 7, and “Still” IBF 105 Champion
    By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 04 Apr 2026
  • Pedro Taduran Scores Sensational Stoppage Over Gustavo PÉRez ÁLvarez in IBF Minimumweight World Championship Main Event
    , Sat, 04 Apr 2026
  • BROWN STOPS DUCAR TO LAND FIRST PRO TITLES
    , Sat, 04 Apr 2026
  • Guy Jutras, a gentleman and pilgrim of world boxing, passes away
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 04 Apr 2026
  • GM Joey Antonio keeps Philippine flag alive, posts hard-earned win in Canberra chess meet
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 04 Apr 2026
  • TWO WORLD TITLE FIGHTS CONFIRMED FOR ‘GLORY IN GIZA’ UNDERCARD
    , Sat, 04 Apr 2026
  • MANSOUR AND BALLO MAKE WAVES WITH UNPRECEDENTED OPEN WORKOUT ABOARD CITY CRUISES ADMIRAL HORNBLOWER AHEAD OF SD FIGHT NIGHT: FAMILY BUSINESS
    , Sat, 04 Apr 2026
  • Rookie Kon Knueppel breaks Charlotte Hornets three points record
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 04 Apr 2026
  • IBA extends its global reach through a strategic partnership with Nomad Fighting premiering at IBA Nomad 14
    , Sat, 04 Apr 2026
  • GM Laylo leads in Bundesliga 3 and in IIEE chess Olympiad season 8
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 04 Apr 2026
  • MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS TADURAN VS. PEREZ WEIGH-IN RESULTS
    , Fri, 03 Apr 2026
  • PLANET ICE FIGHT NIGHT: WEIGH-IN RESULTS AS BROWN AND DUCAR FACE-OFF FOR FINAL TIME
    , Fri, 03 Apr 2026
  • Battle of the Trades Returns for Its 3rd Year April 25 at Torrey Pines Community Resource Center in Las Vegas
    , Fri, 03 Apr 2026
  • Bobby Laing vs. Russ Kimber in intriguing Intra-state match-up between Massachusetts Light Heavyweights on ‘Rumble at the Rink II’
    , Fri, 03 Apr 2026
  • PH chess wizard Jacobb Seda ties for 1st, settles for silver on tiebreaks in Thailand meet
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 03 Apr 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.