Judiel and Shaina Nitura grew up with a ball in their hands, with Judiel first trying her hand at basketball before both eventually found their way to volleyball.
Coming from a family of athletes, their passion for sports was always encouraged. All six Nitura siblings have either played or are currently playing basketball and volleyball for their respective schools.
Among them, Shaina has been making waves in the volleyball scene. She captured the UAAP Season 87 Rookie of the Year award before earning a spot on the Philippine women’s national team.
For Judiel, the eldest, watching her younger sister thrive is a source of pride.
“Sobrang proud kami sa kanya, kasi dala rin niya ‘yung pangalan namin and nagagawa niya nang maayos lahat,” the 23-year-old Letran standout shared. “And kaming lahat nagiging successful, kaming lahat na magkakapatid. Ayun, proud ako sa kanilang lahat.”
Shaina’s success, however, is not just a point of pride but also a motivation for Judiel. She continues to push herself to excel, starting with her role in the Lady Knights’ NCAA campaign.
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“Doon din ako humuhugot ng lakas kasi lagi silang nandyan and nag-ga-guide lang din sila sa ‘kin and nagsu-support,” said the fourth-year outside hitter.
Judiel acknowledges the pressure that comes with sustaining the Lady Knights’ streak of Finals appearances. But with a new coaching staff led by Finnish head coach Aleksi Lahteenmaki, she remains optimistic about the team’s chances.
The key, she says, is something they have consistently worked on: discipline.
“So far, maayos ‘yung relationship namin with the new coaches. And ayun, marami kaming natutunan at the same time. Siyempre, disiplina ‘yung pinapairal pa rin, at kailangan pang mas mag-jell ng team,” Nitura shared.
“Gusto kong makita na mas gutom kami sa panalo. Nando’on ‘yung disiplina at pagkakaisa ng bawat isa sa amin; na mas lalong gumaan at mas umayos kaming lahat para makuha namin ‘yung championship.”
