Shaina Nitura may have added the biggest individual award of her career so far, but for the rising star of the Adamson Lady Falcons, the focus remains on something much bigger than personal accolades.
Fresh off becoming Adamson’s first‑ever MVP in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, Nitura made it clear that the recognition only strengthened her belief that the Lady Falcons are capable of contending for a championship in the coming years.
The sophomore outside hitter bannered Adamson’s breakthrough campaign, which ended with the program’s first Final Four appearance since Season 85, while also claiming Best Outside Spiker honors alongside teammate Fhei Sagaysay, who won Best Setter.
Shaina Nitura’s MVP Part of Larger Goal
For Shaina Nitura, however, the awards are only proof that Adamson is heading in the right direction.
“Actually, these awards only mean na capable kami makapasok ng Finals kasi meron kaming Fhei at meron kaming other players na pwede mag‑push through it sa upcoming seasons na meron kami with the team,” Nitura said after receiving her MVP award at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“Again, grateful na binigay ni God ito sa akin, and again, I am gonna be happy and grateful, pero hindi naman doon titigil yung career ko, ‘yung career namin, and ‘yung pagpu‑push namin to get into the Finals,” she added.
Getting There, Little by Little
Shaina Nitura’s rise has mirrored Adamson’s steady climb back into relevance.
After helping the Lady Falcons secure the girls’ division title in Season 86, the 21‑year‑old continued her growth in the collegiate ranks, eventually emerging as the face of Adamson’s resurgence under head coach JP Yude.
Still, Nitura believes the program’s next step goes beyond talent and statistics.
Together with Sagaysay and the rest of Adamson’s core, she hopes to help build a stronger culture for the younger players who will eventually inherit the program.
“Same rin, yung relationship and yung environment na nabibigay namin sa bawat player na meron kami, especially sa amin. Kasi alam namin kung gaano kahirap na magkaroon ng negative environment, lalo na pag growing yung isang player,” she said.
“We’re gonna be seniors sooner or later, kaya ’yon ‘yung pinaka‑fi‑focusan namin na yung mga darating na players sa amin, talagang paghahalagahan namin. Hindi lang yung coaching staff ang magbibigay ng pahalaga sa kanila—kumbaga, kami rin bilang players. Players nila, captain nila, and bilang leader, ibibigay namin ‘yung positive environment but still competitive.”
Shaina Nitura and the Lady Falcons took one big leap forward in Season 88. Sky’s the limit in Season 89 and beyond.
