As one of the most influential figures in Shaina Nitura’s flourishing volleyball career, Adamson University head coach JP Yude considers his young prodigy a blessing from God — for the success she has brought not only to the school, but also to his own coaching journey.
In UAAP Season 86, the high-flying spiker from Cainta, Rizal, led Adamson to its first-ever girls’ volleyball championship, securing Yude’s first UAAP title in the process.
And in her rookie year in college, Nitura continued to dominate. She exploded for 37 points to carry Adamson past Far Eastern University, marking her fifth 30-point game of the season. With that, she raised her total to 314 points — surpassing the legendary Alyssa Valdez’s record of 312 from Season 77.
For any coach, having a once-in-a-generation talent like Nitura would be a dream. For Yude, it was nothing short of divine intervention.
“I’m very grateful, honored and blessed to have Shaina, and also sa mga kasama niya also, kasi wala namang Shaina if wala namang mga kasama niya eh,” he said.
“I’m very blessed talaga sa mga batang ito, and I’m very grateful to Lord na ito yung binigay Niya sa akin na mga players, so that sila yung i-gui-guide ko on and off the court—not just in the game, but also in life after their volleyball careers.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Though Nitura has already achieved so much this early in her collegiate journey, Yude emphasized the importance of staying grounded. As she continues to rise, he wants her to carry the virtue of humility through every obstacle and triumph, both within and beyond the UAAP.
More than anything, he hopes she becomes an inspiration to the next generation — just as her own idols were before her.
“Siguro, I know na nandiyan na yan sa kanya — yung talent na ganyan na binigay sa kanya ng Panginoon,” said Yude. “Sabi ko nga sa kanya, sa kanila din, kumbaga sa maraming tao, meron talaga separated talaga as above sa maraming tao. We are blessed, pero I just want na continue lang siya maging humble all the time.
“Kahit anoman marating niya sa buhay, anoman ang makuha niyang puntos man diyan o ma-break na record diyan — maging humble lang all the time and continue mag-lead sa mga kasama niya, kasi yan yung way ng Lord kung paano niya i-lead yung mga kasama niya. Kasi nga siya yung nagdo-dominate sa loob ng court and sa team,” the Adamson lifer continued.
“I-grab niya yung opportunity na yan to lead so many people at maging inspiration sa mga kasama niya, at the same time sa mga taong nanonood sa kanya. Stay humble all the time.”
With many more chapters still to be written in the story of Yude and Nitura, one thing remains constant: his deep gratitude to the Lord for the opportunity to mentor such a gifted player — and his unwavering commitment to guiding her, not just as an athlete, but as a person.
