Shaina Nitura is More Motivated Following her Alas Pilipinas Stint

For Adamson University rising star Shaina Nitura, the past year has been a whirlwind of growth, challenges, and opportunities that few players her age get to experience.

From shining at the top of the bright lights of the UAAP women’s volleyball, to proudly donning the colors of the country with Alas Pilipinas, and now grinding in the offseason in leagues like the V-League Collegiate Challenge 2025 and the Shakey’s Super League 2025 National Invitationals in Cebu, Nitura’s calendar has been packed – but her hunger has only grown.

The 20-year-old outside hitter has quickly become one of the most promising players in Philippine volleyball.

But as she returns to Adamson after playing internationally with Alas in preparation for her second UAAP season, her mindset remains grounded:

Recover, improve, and lead.

Balancing a packed schedule

Juggling multiple commitments and performing at a high level across them is a commendable yet daunting task. For Nitura, she has found a way to embrace the grind while prioritizing her body and recovery.

“Hindi ko masasabi, but as of now I’m doing great naman and I’m trying to recover naman. I’m really trying to recover everything na ine-xert ko na energy,” Shaina said in an interview with ALL-STAR Magazine during Adamson’s visit for the SSL Cebu leg. “As of now naman good naman yung recovery ko and medyo napapadali din kasi yung mga players namin are doing good. They’re doing their part, and hindi lang part nila – sometimes they fill in the part na hindi ko nagagawa.”

Her words reflect a maturity uncommon for a player still early in her collegiate career. Instead of carrying everything on her shoulders, she has learned to trust her teammates and the system around her. That collaborative spirit not only keeps her fresh physically, but also sharpens her leadership qualities.

Nitura never stopping the learning process going into her second year with Adamson

Even after a breakthrough UAAP debut and a strong showing with Alas Pilipinas, Shaina doesn’t just settle in and remain complacent.

For her, every training session is a chance to raise the bar.

“Actually lahat talaga,” she said when asked what part of her game she still wants to improve. “Kung kaya ko pa angatan lahat ng ginagawa ko ngayon – sa lahat ng aspects – sa attitude, physical, mental. Lahat, gagawin ko para sa growth and future ko.”

It’s the mindset of an athlete who refuses to be content.

While her attacking and scoring prowess have been her calling card, Nitura knows that the next step in her development involves becoming a more complete player — someone who can defend, pass, and inspire just as much as she can score.

Nitura’s rookie year with the Adamson Lady Falcons was a learning curve, but with another UAAP season on the horizon, she enters Year 2 with heightened expectations.

“Kailangan namin bumalik sa basic and sa tamang mindset since lahat may ibubuga and may palag,” she emphasized. “So we have to go back to the basics, and do our best every time para mag-improve.”

It’s a telling statement that reflects the team’s identity under coach JP Yude.

While Adamson is brimming with young talent – with players like Frances Mordi, Fhei Sagaysay, Abegail Segui, others alongside Nitura – the key lies in discipline, fundamentals, and playing with the right mentality.

From international stage back to Adamson

Coming back from the international stage has also been a test of adaptability.

With Alas Pilipinas, Nitura was surrounded by some of the best players in the country, experiencing the speed, physicality, and competitiveness of international volleyball.

Returning to the collegiate level meant recalibrating to a different system and re-establishing chemistry with her teammates.

“Another adjustment for me since sa [international] iba yung mga kasama ko.

As of now, nag-aadjust kami [ng mga teammates ko], nag co-connect ulit kami with each other ng team, sa mga setters, sa mga liberos,” Nitura explained.

“It’s another adjustment sa program and system ni coach Yude.”

That ability to switch gears – from international to collegiate play – is what sets her apart.

It shows not only versatility, but also the willingness to adapt and embrace new challenges instead of being comfortable in one environment.

Growing into leadership

Despite her youth, Shaina has already been entrusted with a leadership role in Adamson’s program.

She has been named the team captain just in her second year and it is a responsibility she takes seriously, one that she approaches with humility.

“It has been natural, ini-enhance and tinutulungan ako ni coach Yude to lead the team,” she said about her leadership. “I’m trying na nasa tamang tono lang palagi yung pag le-leader ko; hindi pa siya perfect pero I’ll try to make it close to perfect.”

For Nitura, leadership isn’t about commanding attention — it’s about consistency, accountability, and setting an example. She knows she doesn’t need to be perfect, but she’s determined to be reliable and to uplift her teammates in the process.

Hungry for more

If there’s one theme that ties Nitura’s journey together, it’s hunger. The hunger to recover, the hunger to learn, and the hunger to lead. And above all, the hunger to bring Adamson back to Final Four contention in UAAP women’s volleyball.

Her coming seasons with Adamson in whichever league they play will be another test of her growth – not just as a scorer and go-to option, but as a leader who can inspire her teammates and raise their collective ceiling. With another year of experience under her belt, plus the confidence gained from representing the country, Nitura is entering her sophomore UAAP campaign with momentum and determination.

Philippine volleyball has always thrived on the emergence of fearless young stars who are unafraid of the moment. For Adamson, Shaina is that beacon – and she’s only just getting started. And with the way she continues to balance growth, recovery, and responsibility, Nitura is proving she’s on her way there.

Mon Anthony Valmoria is a sports journalist covering an array of sporting fields including the NBA, FIBA, WNBA, esports, and Philippine basketball and volleyball. He writes feature stories, game takeaways, and in-depth analysis with a rooted passion for sports and the love of the game with a strong on-the-ground presence.

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