UAAP: Amid expectations, Shaina Nitura focused on getting better

Adamson’s Shaina Nitura.–Photo from SGVIL

MANILA, Philippines — Shaina Nitura ended her high school career with another perfect championship run with Adamson in the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League.

Expectations are higher for Nitura after capping off her high school career with an unbeaten title run with the Baby Lady Falcons in the UAAP Season 86 girls’ volleyball tournament along with an MVP award before moving up to the collegiate ranks.

All eyes are on her, but the blue-chip rookie chooses to focus on helping the Adamson women’s team, which missed the UAAP Final Four last season.

“I’ll just be who I am. I don’t really care much about what others think because the more I stress over that stuff, the more I think about college coming up, and the more I stress, the worse I play. So, I’m just gonna focus on getting better as time goes on.”

READ: Adamson caps dominant stint with Shakey’s Girls volleyball crown

Nitura is grateful to have high school coach JP Yude, who will continue to guide her at the collegiate level with her graduating teammates Mary Grace Del Moral and Felicity Sagaysay.

“I chose to stick with Adamson and our coach. I’m really lucky because having a coach like him is rare. I can’t really put it into words, but all I know is he’s something else. God works through him to guide us and bring out our true potential.”

Yude praised the winning legacy left by Nitura in the high school ranks but he wants his longtime player to keep her feet on the ground as she continues to scratch the surface of her potential. 

“I’m really happy that the Lord gave her that talent, and she’s using it in such a positive way, bringing her teammates along with her with her attitude. Honestly, I’m always encouraging her because her attitude towards the game is something rare.”

“I always remind her that even though she’s achieved that much, she still needs to be humble, she needs to work all the time, not let pride get to her head, she needs to work every time to be a good example to her teammates and to lead them too,” he added.

Yude is elated to have Nitura in time for the Lady Falcons’ rebuild but losing three key players also poses a tough challenge to his high school team.

“A big loss awaits us in the coming UAAP, but we’ll work hard for it. I know those who will remain will step up even more because their Ate Shai will be leaving,” he said.