03/06/2026
๐๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐๐ซ๐ฏ๐ข๐๐: ๐๐๐ญ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ง๐จ๐ฐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐จ๐ ๐ฌ' ๐๐ฎ๐ฉ๐๐ซ ๐๐๐ซ๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ ๐๐ฉ๐๐๐ข๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ, ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐ซ๐ง๐๐ง๐๐๐ณ
His entrance onto the court is often quiet, reserved for the moments when the NU Bulldogs need him most. There are no thunderous spikes or dramatic celebrations. Yet whenever the team needs a crucial point, one player is often called upon to shift the momentum with a single serveโJonas Hernandez.
Jonas Hernandez started playing volleyball when he was in Grade 5, and it was his parents who inspired him to play. His first position was opposite spiker, but as time went by and he progressed through high school, he started playing as a libero, specializing in receiving and floor defense.
Then his UAAP collegiate years began. He started playing for the University of the Philippines-Diliman as a libero before being recruited by the coaching staff of NU. From being a libero, he was converted into a service specialist. When asked about the transition, Jonas said that it was a difficult adjustment on his part, but he embraced the role and trusted what Coach Dante wanted him to do.
"Inaral ko talagang mag-service nang maigi, mag-target, at mas sinipagan ko pa sa depensa," he said.
Being a service specialist does not merely mean focusing on making sure that your serve is in. Their role is also to prevent the ball from dropping to the floor through solid defense.
When asked about the difference between Seasons 87 and 88, Jonas said that in Season 87, his mindset was simply, "Basta maipasok ko lang ang service ko," while also contributing on defense. However, this season, Jonas has shown more grit and a different mindset because his goal is more than just serving and defending. In Season 88, Jonas also aims to score through his service.
"Makadagdag ng point para sa team," he said. This season, Jonas' role has become heavier compared to last season. "Mas mabigat ang pressure this season," he added.
Despite his limited playing time as a service specialist, his role remains significant and memorable. When asked about his favorite moments as a service specialist in Seasons 87 and 88, Jonas shared that Finals Game 2 against the FEU Tamaraws in Season 87 remains his favorite. During the finals series, FEU held a 1-0 lead. In the fifth set of the match, Jonas entered the court with the score in favor of FEU.
"Feeling ko napakalaki ng naambag ko during that time," he said. Through Jonas' stable service and his unforgettable dive against the tricky drop ball of Lirick Mendoza, the NU Bulldogs were able to close the gap and win Game 2, which eventually led them to the championship and a historic five-peat.
In Season 88, Jonas' favorite moment came against the FEU Tamaraws in the first round of the elimination stage, when he made two consecutive digs against outside spiker Mikko Espartero and middle blocker Lirick Mendoza.
One of the biggest challenges faced by student-athletes is balancing sports and academics. When asked about this, Jonas said, "Mahirap talaga as a student-athlete." Although it is difficult, Jonas remains persistent and always tries to attend his classes on time. He also shared that he seeks help from his classmates and professors whenever necessary.
Season 88 is Jonas Hernandez's final playing year. When asked where he sees himself after his collegiate career, his answer was surprising. Unlike other athletes who take their talents to the professional ranks or overseas, Jonas said that he does not see himself playing professionally or for any volleyball club. However, that does not mean he will stop pursuing volleyball. Jonas may no longer see himself inside the court, but he sees himself on the bench, leading a team. He sees himself more in coaching than playing. As early as now, Jonas is already gaining leadership experience. He is currently coaching a team for the National Friendship Games and has also previously coached a team from Ayala. From serving for the team to leading one.
Jonas Hernandez's future is bright. His presence throughout the last two seasons has been meaningful to the team. The pressure he carries every time he steps onto the courtโand his ability to perform despite itโis what makes him not just a service specialist, but a super service specialist. He is one of NU's most reliable weapons, proving that sometimes the biggest contributions come from the players whose names are called only when the team needs them most.
Written by: Nhelche Mae B. Quimno
Interview assistance: Kiara L. Intano
Photos by: Bulldogs Sports Zone
Pubmat by: Samantha Faye J. Forcadilla
