Jaila Adrao broke her silence about her recent move that shocked the University of Santo Tomas community, saying her transfer from the Junior Tigresses to the National University Nazareth School program is aimed at "growth and improvement" as she embarks on a new journey in her promising career.

The 16-year-old middle blocker told the school’s publication, the Varsitarian, that she wanted to grow as a player and person, and the best way she can achieve it is to put herself under a new system.

“Fully decided na po ako, kasi want ko po talaga mag-grow. So, I think, it’s time na mag-explore ako sa new system since kita ko ‘yong growth ko, especially sa laro ko,” said Adrao.

“Grade 10 pa lang po ako, lilipat na po dapat ako sa NUNS. Kaso po noong nakausap namin sina coach (Kung Fu), nag-decide po sina daddy na bigyan ng one more year,” she recalled. “Kaso po, parang wala pong nagbago.”

Adrao mentioned as well that she is not comfortable playing in different positions, and it ultimately gave her a hard time to focus as a middle blocker.

Few days before her revelation, UST women’s coach Kungfu Reyes aired his frustration on what he called an “unethical recruitment”, emphasizing the timing of a player’s move to another school which usually takes place when they are nearing to collegiate level.

Aldrao clarified that she already had a conversation with the long-time UST mentor.

“Noong nagkausap po ulit si daddy at saka ‘yong team manager po ng NU, napaisip po ulit kami kung lilipat na po ako since parang ganun lang din po naman,” she added.

Adrao also bared the conflict of schedule during her stay at UST, noting how it affected her time management as a student-athlete.

“Isa sa nagustuhan ko rin po sa NU ay ‘yong system nila, consistent ‘yong training time and school, so mas tutok ka po both academics and training,” Adrao said. 

Adrao and the Junior Tigresses finished as third place with an 8-4 slate in the eliminations. But they ultimately fell to Adamson in the semifinal, 3-2. NU won the girls division after sweeping the Falcons in the finals.