The Nitura household has always been alive with the sound of bouncing balls and the thrill of competition.
For sisters Judiel and Shaina, sports were not just hobbies; they were the family’s heartbeat.
Though Judiel first found herself in the world of basketball, it wasn’t long before both she and Shaina discovered their shared love for volleyball—a passion that would soon propel them into the collegiate spotlight.
It’s no surprise that athleticism runs deep in the Nitura bloodline. All six siblings have laced up their sneakers for either basketball or volleyball, representing their schools with pride.
Yet among the group, it’s Shaina, the youngest, who has recently made waves.
At just 18, she became a breakout star, capturing the UAAP Season 87 Rookie of the Year award and earning a spot on the Philippine women’s national volleyball team.
For Judiel, the eldest, seeing her younger sister rise to prominence has been a source of immense pride and inspiration.
“Sobrang proud kami sa kanya, kasi dala rin niya 'yung pangalan namin and nagagawa niya nang maayos lahat,” said the 23-year-old standout for Letran. “And kaming lahat nagiging successful, kaming lahat na magkakapatid. Ayun proud ako sa kanilang lahat.”
But Judiel’s pride isn’t just admiration—it’s fuel. She is determined to carve her own path of success while supporting the resurgence of the Lady Knights in the NCAA. Entering her fourth year as an outside hitter, Judiel has found strength in the tight-knit bond of her siblings.
“Doon din ako humuhugot ng lakas kasi lagi silang nandyan and nag-ga-guide lang din sila sa 'kin and nagsu-support,” she said.
Her journey, however, is not without challenges. The Lady Knights, perennial contenders in the NCAA, are under the microscope this season with the pressure to sustain their Finals streak. Adding to the intrigue is the arrival of a new coaching staff, led by Finnish mentor Aleksi Lahteenmaki, who is tasked with steering the team toward a championship.
“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.
For Judiel, discipline remains the bedrock of their pursuit. Yet beyond drills and tactics, she believes the key to success lies in hunger and unity.
“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,” she said.
