Sandy Arespacochaga named Gilas Pilipinas Girls head coach

Ateneo deputy Sandy Arespacochaga is the 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 ability to develop young players.

“He is a teacher. At this stage, he fits perfectly in shaping the girls’ future,” Austria said.

“More than winning, his focus is on developing the girls into better basketball players and better people. On the basketball aspect, Coach Sandy is no stranger to Fiba tournaments. He’s already coached Gilas Youth Men and assisted Gilas Men at the World Cup level.”

Arespacochaga has built an extensive coaching résumé in both collegiate and professional basketball.

He currently serves as an assistant coach under Tab Baldwin with the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP and is also part of Chot Reyes’ staff with TNT Tropang 5G in the PBA.

Now, he adds another role as head coach of the Gilas Pilipinas U-18 Women’s team.

“I’ve been a fan of women’s basketball, but I’ve never coached women’s basketball, so I’m really thankful for this opportunity,” Arespacochaga said.

“We formed the pool with the idea not just of forming the team for Seaba. We wanted to form a pool that included players whom we can help out and help elevate because we wanted to elevate women’s basketball as a whole.”

Arespacochaga is set to officially begin his duties next month.

The 2026 Fiba Women’s U18 Asia Cup Seaba Qualifiers will be held in Bacolod from June 2 to 6.

The Philippines has already secured a place in the 2026 Fiba Women’s U18 Asia Cup after winning Division B in 2024 to earn promotion to Division A.