CEBU CITY — As the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) celebrates its 10th season, few players embody the league’s journey quite like Alyssa Valdez, who remains a fixture for Creamline a decade after the competition began.
Valdez officially entered her 10th season in the league on Saturday, reflecting on a career that has spanned a decade of triumphs, challenges, and growth, both as a player and as one of Philippine volleyball’s most recognizable figures.
The 33-year-old outside hitter described the milestone as a significant moment in her career, admitting that she never imagined she would still be playing at this level a decade after graduating from college.
“It’s a very, very huge milestone for me kasi in my career din I never really thought na maglalaro pa ako ng ganito katagal after ko grumaduate ng college,” said the Ateneo de Manila University legend.
“And, never ko na-imagine na ganito ko ma-eenjoy and ganito ko ka-love ‘yung volleyball even 10 years or more.”
Valdez, who has won 11 championships and three Most Valuable Player awards in the PVL, said her longevity also reflects the league’s growth and the opportunities it has provided players to sustain and develop their careers.
The Philippine volleyball icon expressed her gratitude to the league for providing an avenue for players to grow, compete at a high level, and pursue their dreams of building lasting careers in the sport.
(C) PVL Images
“It’s a huge milestone for PVL, but definitely it’s a bigger milestone for us players to be part of that 10th year anniversary, and part of that 10th year of the PVL,” said Valdez.
“It’s a testament to the PVL na talagang they’re really bringing security and careers for the younger generation, and to all of us here. And… I just want to say thank you to PVL for making sure that we have a home in this community, and we have a space in this community.”
Valdez believes the PVL has given players a valuable platform to showcase their talent. In return, she hopes players will continue to contribute to the league’s growth and help ensure that future generations can enjoy the same opportunities.
“Siguro, as players mas mamahalin pa namin ‘yung trabaho namin, and mas gagalingan pa namin para nandito tayo at mas tumagal tayo [ng] 10 years or more or 20 years or more, para sa ating lahat, at para sa future generations ng athletes, and volleyball players.”
For Valdez, building a lasting legacy also means inspiring younger players to find joy in the sport and trust that success will follow.
“I think the legacy, what we definitely, and ‘yung lagi naming pinapractice namin sa team namin sa Creamline… Sana they see that, when you enjoy doing what you love, everything will follow, naturally, the wins and everything. ‘Yun lang din siguro,” she said.
“Ayun sana ma-enjoy lang din nila, and lahat ng rewards derating din ‘yan eventually. So ‘yun.”
