Balancing life as a Spikers’ Turf athlete while serving as an assistant coach for both Akari and the Far Eastern University women’s volleyball team is no small feat — but for Don Nadera, the grind has simply become a way of life.
His days swing between high-level competition and nurturing young talent, a dual role that demands time, energy, and constant adjustment.
Yet despite the packed schedule and shifting responsibilities, Nadera once again rose to the occasion for Alpha Insurance.
After logging limited minutes in their opening win over Savouge and sitting out entirely in their five-set loss to Cignal, Nadera was thrust into action on Sunday against his alma mater, FEU-DN Steel — and he delivered when it mattered most.
Inserted in the second set to replace a struggling Francis Casas, Nadera became the spark the Protectors desperately needed.
He exploded for a game-high 23 points, all coming from attacks, including back-to-back off-the-block hits that sealed a thrilling 22-25, 25-23, 18-25, 25-22, 18-15 comeback win against the Tamaraws at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
“Unang-una diyan ‘yung commitment eh,” said the former FEU standout.
“Crucial ‘yung commitment natin, pero kasunod diyan ‘yung recovery eh. Kasi nag-eensayo ka dun, at the same time nag-eensayo ka sa Alpha. Kailangan lang talaga ‘yung proper recovery ng katawan kasi ang magiging kapalit nun injury eh,” he added.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
For Nadera, the internal competition within Alpha Insurance — with new firepower in Barbie San Andres, Rocky Motol, and Casas earning starting roles — isn’t a setback, but rather a challenge that fuels his drive to improve.
It’s worth noting that Nadera, along with former starters JJ Javelona and Edward Camposano, has moved to the bench this conference to make way for the younger trio.
“Sa bagay naman na ‘yun, magiging mas maganda ‘yun sa team eh,” he said. “Kung may darating na malakas sa team, kayo naman lagi nagsasama sa court, so challenging ‘yun para mapakita mo rin kung sino ka.”
He embraces the battle, knowing that the only way to reclaim his spot is through relentless hard work.
“Siyempre magsisimula sa ensayo talaga ‘yan eh. Go hard lang palagi kapag nag-eensayo, mag-aantay lang tayo ng opportunity,” he continued. “‘Pag ginamit naman, talagang iga-grab natin ‘yung opportunity na ‘yun.”
Protectors head coach Mike Santos admitted that the plan was to “hide” Nadera early in the tournament to preserve him for critical moments. But with Javelona unavailable due to his sibling’s wedding, Santos had no choice but to play his best-kept card.
“Actually, hangga’t maaari ayoko talaga siyang gamitin. Ang plano ko talaga, gagamitin ko siya sa mga talagang crucial,” Santos revealed.
“Tinatago ko talaga sana, ‘pag ‘yung kailangang kailangan na, dun ko na sana siya gagamitin. Ito, kinailangan ko na talaga siya so napilitan akong gamitin siya. Pero kung nandito si Javelona, si Javelona muna gagamitin ko.”
On a night when he wasn’t even supposed to play, Don Nadera reminded everyone exactly who he is — a fierce competitor, whether on or off the court.
