Shaina Nitura of Adamson University alongside notable executives during the media launch of 2025 Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League. Shakey’s Super League/Facebook
MANILA – Shaina Nitura gave credit Friday to a grassroots league amid her continued rise in the college ranks.
Nitura, also the UAAP Season 87 Rookie of the Year, had a storming entrance into UAAP women's volleyball, shattering multiple records including Alyssa Valdez's best scoring season with Ateneo de Manila University.
For the Adamson University standout, credit should be given to platforms such as the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League that gives them opportunities to hone their skills and prepare for a higher stage.
Notably, it was Nitura's Adamson Lady Baby Falcons team that snagged the 2024 iteration of the tournament, with her winning the Most Valuable Player honors.
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"Actually kasi I really think na 'yung mga liga like Shakey's po is like reviewing for the exam. So 'yung pino-produce ng mga teams, like Adamson, other schools po na players, doon nae-examine kung gaano kagaling or gaano 'yung trinatrabaho nila doon sa tine-training nila," said Nitura during the media launch of the tilt in Manila.
Nitura lauded the pizza parlor brand for the "big opportunity" given to young guns from all over the country to showcase their abilities.
"So, I really think this is a big opportunity for young players na makaharap 'yung mga best of the best of other places (schools), like buong Philippines... I think nahahasa lalo 'yung tapang at talino nung bata sa paglalaro," said Nitura.
"Big help siya coming into college kasi parang overview na rin siya for college."
The SGVIL 2025 will kick off on May 28 at the La Salle Greenhills gym.
In Pool A of Division 1, Adamson is joined by Lyceum of the Philippines University, Naga College Foundation, Emilio Aguinaldo College, and University of Perpetual Help.
Pool B is composed of last year’s runner-up Bacolod Tay Tung, Bethel Academy, De La Salle-Lipa, Chiang Kai Shek College, and Holy Rosary College while in Pool C are Kings’ Montessori High School, Arellano University, Corpus Christi School, inaugural champion California Academy and De La Salle-Zobel A.
Reigning UAAP titlist National University Nazareth School, Far Eastern University-Diliman, St. John’s Institute-Bacolod, University of the Philippines Integrated School, and University of Santo Tomas are in Pool D.
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This edition will also have a Division 2 featuring 10 teams divided into two groups, as SGVIL attracted a record-setting 30 squads.
“This just signifies that through Shakey’s GVIL, we can raise awareness of the sport at the grassroots level. It has drawn interest not only from the kids but also from their parents and schools, which is why we’re expanding each year," said Dr. Ian Laurel, president of organizer Athletic Events and Sports Management, Inc. (ACES).
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