Long before she became one of the most dominant middle blockers in the UAAP, representing the Philippines was already part of Nina Ytang’s vision for herself.
Not because of the spotlight that comes with wearing the national colors, but because of what she believes it stands for.
Now officially part of the Alas Pilipinas pool for the 2026 AVC Women’s Nations Cup, the former University of the Philippines standout is finally stepping into a role she once only imagined — carrying not just her own dreams, but the responsibility that comes with playing for the country.
For Ytang, the call-up feels deeply personal.
“Grateful ako sa magiging experience, sa opportunity na ibinigay sa amin,” Ytang shared during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday.
The four-time UAAP Best Middle Blocker has spent years building a reputation as one of collegiate volleyball’s most reliable frontliners, but she believes her time at UP shaped her perspective beyond individual success.
Inside the Fighting Maroons program, Ytang said athletes were constantly reminded that representing something bigger than themselves always mattered most.
“Coming from the University of the Philippines, it focuses talaga on serving the Philippines,” she said. “So I think it’s also part of our need to serve the Philippines and represent the country sa upcoming AVC.”
That mindset now follows her into a national team loaded with experience.
Ytang joins a veteran-heavy Alas Pilipinas pool bannered by established names such as Alyssa Valdez, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Ces Molina, Ara Galang, and Tots Carlos — players she once watched from afar and now trains beside every day.
Rather than feeling overwhelmed, the 22-year-old middle blocker sees the environment as another opportunity to grow.
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BREAKTHROUGH AFTER BREAKTHROUGH (1/2)
Hear more from Niña Ytang on gearing up for her first stint in Alas Pilipinas colors. #AlasPilipinas #PVL2026 #UAAPSeason88 #NCAA101 @spinph pic.twitter.com/RN2W3zWmzz
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“Bilang bago pa lang sa team na ‘to, ngayon po focus lang ako din po sa learnings na makukuha ko from my ates,” she shared.
Even with the excitement surrounding her inclusion, Ytang knows the challenge ahead extends far beyond simply making the roster.
The AVC Women’s Nations Cup will pit the Philippines against some of Asia’s toughest volleyball programs, placing heavy expectations on a team currently blending veterans with emerging young talent.
For her part, Ytang insists the focus inside camp remains simple: work.
“I think magtrabaho lang po kami nang maayos,” Ytang said. “Ibibigay naman po namin yung best po namin every day. Every single training pa lang po.”
The national team stint also comes during a major transition period in Ytang’s career as she prepares to enter the upcoming PVL Rookie Draft, where she is widely expected to become one of the top selections.
But before the professional stage fully arrives, Ytang is savoring what she considers the fulfillment of a lifelong goal.
“It has always been my dream to represent the country,” she said. “Kaya sobrang thankful po ako na mabigyan ng opportunity na maging parte ng national team.”
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