Last February 25, when the country came calling, Alyssa Valdez had gone out of her way to travel from Thailand to Davao for the National Team tryouts.
For some, she did not have to attend, as the decorated spiker is a no-brainer for any National Team. But still, the native of San Juan, Batangas did not want to cut through the line.
Tuesday afternoon, Valdez was named to the National Team pool together with 24 other aspirants. And for the three-time UAAP Most Valuable Player, she is simply honored to be part of this select group.
“I’m so thankful to be part of this team, alongside the experienced, skilled, talented and hardworking players,” the 23-year-old said.
The list, which was presented to the members of the press, listed Valdez as one of the four players who are candidates to be the team’s skipper for the 2017 SEA Games. The other three candidates are Valdez’s high school teammate Kim Fajardo of the De La Salle University Lady Spikers; Rachel Daquis of the Cignal HD Spikers; and Aiza Maizo-Pontillas of the Petron Blaze Spikers.
And it would be hard to pick among the four.
Valdez was the skipper of the U-23 Philippine Team back in the 2015 Asian Women’s U23 Volleyball Championship and is currently playing in Thailand for 3BB Nakornnont in the Women’s Volleyball Thailand League. Fajardo is regarded as one of the top setters in the country and was part of the PSL select team that played in the 2016 FIVB Volleyball Women’s Club World Championship, while Daquis and Maizo have played for flag and country numerous times as well.
But Valdez is not worrying about whether she will be named captain or not. What matters for her is that she makes the final cut.
“I’m [just] blessed to be part of the pool but it doesn’t stop there. I hope to contribute to the team,” said Valdez, who was the flag-bearer of the Philippines back in the 2015 SEA Games.
“Being the team captain isn’t important as long as we all help each other in representing the country.”
