FAITH Nisperos is accepting the challenge of Ateneo head coach Oliver Almadro to show maturity and leadership beyond her years.
Nisperos made an impressive 19-point debut as Ateneo turned back Letran, 25-16, 22-25, 25-13, 25-20 in the Premier Volleyball League Season 3 Collegiate Conference on Saturday at the Arena in San Juan City.
The prized recruit from Nazareth School of National University ushered the new era and showed her potential in front of former Lady Eagles Alyssa Valdez, Maddie Madayag and Kat Tolentino, who watched Ateneo’s first PVL game.
“Rather than being pressured, I think seeing them is not a pressure but an inspiration. ‘Uy, mga ate namin nandito to support.’So, that's how it worked, we were inspired,” Nisperos said.
But the 19-year-old hitter knows that she still needs to grow up for her huge responsibility in the team.
“I think he expects me to fill in what the team needs. That is a leader,” said Nisperos. “No matter how young or how old are you, I think everyone can lead so that's what I'm filling in.”
As leaders Madayag, Tolentino and Bea De Leon already graduated while Deanna Wong is out with stress fracture on her shin, Almadro is looking for new leaders from his rookies, especially to Nisperos.
“I'm reiterating to her naman kasi na it's not about the points,” said Almadro on his rookie. “I know she can make points, but I know that she can do better. She knows na hindi ako titigil hangga't di namin nakukuha yung tama and we have to do it right all the time.”
As of now, Almadro said that Nisperos’s progress on the leadership role is still 50 percent but he insisted that the passionate rookie is on track.
“What's nice with Faith is she really listens and try harder para ma-correct yung details na cino-correct sa kaniya. She has the talent and she is still growing. Talagang unti-unti,” he said.
Still far from his coach’s expectations, the former UAAP girls’ MVP vows to make the most of this PVL experience for her to grow as a leader.
“There's a whole lot level because I compete with more experienced players, older, more veterans. So, what's different is, I think, I'll grow here more than when I am in high school,” said Nisperos.
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