Shaina Nitura is taking her shot at the women’s national volleyball team with humility and determination as she joins training sessions with Alas Pilipinas, preparing for the 2025 VTV Cup and the 2025 AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup in Vietnam.
“Since high school naman ako, isa sa mga pinaka-major dream ko rin is mapabilang sa national team talaga,” Nitura said during the press conference for the 2025 Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League on Friday.
The 20-year-old Adamson standout admitted she’s still gauging her readiness for the international level but assured she’s committed to putting in the work.
“Hindi ko pa talaga masabi kung gaano ako ka-ready, pero for sure, pagtatrabahuhan ko na maging better and qualified for the team,” she added.
Despite being a top option in Adamson, Nitura knows she will take on a different role with Alas Pilipinas, sharing the floor with seasoned veterans.
“‘Yung ginagawa kong ‘me,’ mas more sila du’n. Hindi ko naman siguro need i-tone down kasi ‘yung ginagawa nila, kahit ‘di ako mag-tone down, nandu’n naman sila,” she said.
Among the seniors she looks up to is national team captain Jia de Guzman, who recently returned to the Philippines and has also voiced her excitement about working with the young hitter.
“Very grateful kasi ang dami ko talagang natututunan kahit hindi pa nagli-liga. Sila ‘yung mga naka-experience na ng international leagues, so ang dami kong natututunan sa kanila. Very grateful,” Nitura said.
Now training with De Guzman, Nitura said they’re still developing their connection on the court.
“Wino-work on pa po namin [‘yung connection namin] kasi parang one week pa lang po kami nagte-training with each other. Ginagamay pa po namin ‘yung isa’t isa to build the team,” she shared.
With her sights set on representing the country, Nitura embraces the challenge with enthusiasm and hopes her dream will soon become a reality.