Balancing life between two worlds — one as a Spikers’ Turf athlete, the other as an assistant coach for both Akari and Far Eastern University — has become second nature to Don Nadera.
For most, that schedule would be overwhelming.
For Nadera, it’s just another day in the grind.
Each sunrise brings a new challenge. One moment, he’s mentoring young women eager to make their mark in the UAAP; the next, he’s lacing up his shoes to battle some of the best in men’s volleyball. The demands are endless — yet when his number was called, Nadera didn’t just show up. He stole the show.
After seeing limited action in Alpha Insurance’s first two games, Nadera was thrust back into the spotlight last Sunday against none other than his alma mater, FEU-DN Steel. Inserted in the second set to replace a struggling Francis Casas, the seasoned spiker turned the tide for the Protectors — and never looked back.
Nadera erupted for a game-high 23 points, all coming off attacks, powering Alpha Insurance to a gritty 22-25, 25-23, 18-25, 25-22, 18-15 comeback victory at the Filoil EcoOil Centre. Two of those points came at the most crucial moment — back-to-back off-the-block kills that sealed the win against the Tamaraws.
“Unang-una diyan ‘yung commitment eh,” said the former FEU standout, reflecting on the discipline that fuels his multi-role lifestyle.
“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.
For Nadera, competition within Alpha Insurance has only sharpened his edge. With newcomers like Barbie San Andres, Rocky Motol, and Casas earning starting spots, the veteran found himself beginning the conference on the bench — a change he’s learned to welcome.
“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.”
It’s that mindset — embracing competition rather than resisting it — that keeps him locked in.
“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.”
Even Alpha Insurance head coach Mike Santos revealed that Nadera wasn’t supposed to play much early in the conference.
“Actually, hangga’t maaari ayoko talaga siyang gamitin. Ang plano ko talaga, gagamitin ko siya sa mga talagang crucial,” Santos shared. “Tinatago ko talaga sana, ‘pag ‘yung kailangang kailangan na, dun ko na sana siya gagamitin.”
But with JJ Javelona unavailable, Santos had no choice but to unleash his veteran — and Nadera responded like only he could.
