Alyssa Valdez is undoubtedly the most marketable volleyball player in the country today, as evidenced by her numerous endorsements, TV projects, and hosting duties.
Wednesday afternoon, Valdez made her debut as a color commentator, calling a UAAP match between two familiar foes – the De La Salle University, Valdez’s main rival in five seasons as an Ateneo Lady Eagle; and University of Santo Tomas, where Valdez blossomed in the high school ranks.
The three-time UAAP Women’s Volleyball MVP brought her familiar charm and candor as she analyzed one of the biggest matches of the season, which saw UST defeat the defending champs in straight sets.
“It feels different not being on the court. It’s just so nice to appreciate these girls and see them on the other side of the court, kasi parang never akong nakanood ng game na just enjoying it and trying to analyze the game,” shared the 25-year-old crossover star.
“Every time na manonood ako ng game, it’s for scouting and we have to focus on someone or something. Ngayon, mas na-appreciate ko ‘yung sport. Mas na-appreciate ko each and every player na naglalaro sa UAAP. Kung gaano kahirap ‘yung ginagawa nila as student-athletes.”
Valdez also found comfort in being paired with veteran play-by-play guy Boom Gonzales.
“I was just asking him (Gonzales) if okay lang ba ‘yung mga sinasabi ko.
“As a volleyball player, may mga analysis na hindi layman’s term, so I was asking him advice for that. Also, kung ano ‘yung dapat kong gawin sa mga future games,” Valdez expressed, hoping she gets another chance to call a game.
Before her, numerous athletes have dabbled and excelled as a volleyball color commentator, like former Blue Eagle AJ Pareja and Valdez’s Creamline teammate Michele Gumabao.
Like any great athlete, Valdez was hard on herself and immediately looked for areas to improve as an analyst.
“Siguro, dito naka-depende kasi sa laro. Ang hosting naman there’s a script, you’re planning it already. Ito kasi ang bilis ng nangyayari. You have to think, you have to know kung ano agad ‘yung masasabi mo. You have to assess kung ano ‘yung ginawa nilang tama, kung ano ‘yung dapat nilang gawin to improve,” Valdez recalled.
“So, siyempre, as a player iba kami mag-analyze and hindi ko naman siya sinsabi out loud. As an analyst, you have to explain it really well so other people will engage sa volleyball.”
