It was her second time trying out for the Women’s National Team, but Alyssa Valdez was visibly invigorated when she stepped inside the Arellano University Gym.
Maybe it was because she and fellow Creamline Cool Smasher Jia Morado had to brave through traffic to get to the heart of Manila.
Moreso, the 24-year-old spiker fed off the positive energy from the introduction of new head coach Ramil De Jesus.
The former Ateneo Lady Eagles ace and La Salle head coach were supposed to be united in the National Team in 2014 before the squad named “Amihan” was disbanded along with the Philippine Volleyball Federation.
Now, Valdez has a chance to team up with De Jesus along with former UAAP arch-rivals in the DLSU Lady Spikers.
“Grabe sobrang nakaka-excite. From Ara Galang to Cha Cruz to Tyang Aby [Marano], to Kianna Dy, from recent to siyempre medyo matagal na naglaro sa UAAP, andyan pa rin yung experience and power nila to play and serve the country,” said the three-time UAAP Most Valuable Player.
“Ang isa lang namin talagang wish is maging complete kami at magkaroon kami ng time na mas mahaba nag preparation namin para mas maganda at mas solid naming i-represent yung country natin.”
What makes it more exciting for the native of San Juan, Batangas is that she gets to play alongside Kim Fajardo once again.
“Parang the last time I played with [Kim Fajardo] is ‘yung 2017 SEA Games. Super saya.
“Si Kim naman very chill lang talaga, pero she wants na nandoon pa rin yung fire and passion mo. Nakaka-excite pa rin everytime na nakakasama ko siya sa court,” expressed Valdez.
“More than Kim, I got to play with Ara Galang also, I got to play with the setter of Sta. Lucia [Rebecca Rivera] also,” she added.
Valdez, however, admitted that she was still very shy to approach the venerated head coach.
“I’m really shy to talk to him kasi it’s my first time to play under him, with him, and be coached by him. Mga kaunting trainings pa para ma-get to know each other pa kami ng mga coaches namin.”
