Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

News

Alyssa Valdez looks back on 3BB stint: ‘I needed something na makakapag-improve ako’


Alyssa Valdez was a force to be reckoned with during her final year in Ateneo, winning the UAAP Season 78 Season Most Valuable Player award on top of three more individual plums.

But she did not get the ending that hoped for as her Ateneo squad fell to arch-rival La Salle during her send-off.

Deadly as she is, that loss in her final year fueled Valdez to improve her craft even more. And so, Valdez decided that she wanted a change of scenery which led to a stint in Thailand.

“One thing na nagustuhan ko talaga when I’m in Thailand was to get that experience na mag training talaga kasi after that Season 78 na game I felt like I really needed something na makakapag improve pa ako sa volleyball and I chose that path to train in Thailand.

“I’m not really aiming na makalaro ako, it’s really more of ma-expose sa training doon,” shared Valdez in an episode of Volleyball DNA hosted by Denden Lazaro and Anton Roxas.

After two conferences in the V-League, the hard-hitting daughter of San Juan, Batangas signed with 3BB Nakornnont in January of 2017 to play in the Thai-Denmark Super League with the hopes of polishing her play.

At one point, Valdez didn’t even care if she’ll suit up for as long as she could train her heart out with the team. There’s also this once instance where she slipped hard to the floor during a one-man drill and no one helped her up, but she still continued as nothing happened – a testament to her drive to become better.

#ReadMore  Battle of Katipunan: Survival Kit

“It was really for me a good decision din to get away from here sa Manila kasi yun nga, gusto ko ibang environment yung tipong yung tingin talaga sakin is hindi ako si Alyssa Valdez or someone na marunong mag volleyball,” she said.

“That’s the first time also na hindi ako nafi-first six ulit, parang sobrang… I was really driven to train nung nasa Thailand ako, twice a day, thrice a day, I don’t really care basta nakakatrain ako and it doesn’t matter kung papaglaruin ako.”

Up until this day, Valdez has no regrets, saying that going to Thailand is one of the best decisions she ever made in her entire career. And it definitely shows.

The 5-foot-9 outside hitter joined expansion team Creamline in her return to the country. And after two bronze finishes, Valdez went on to lead the team to three of the last four league titles – cementing her legacy as one of the best volleyball players in Philippine history.

“I felt like I was a rookie talaga. Like literally. It was a new environment, new team, and we’re lucky enough na same yung system ni coach Tai [Bundit] saka ni coach M [Lt. Thanakit Inleang] but, I’m still culture shocked kasi siyempre out of my comfort zone talaga and I’m away from home.”

Written By




You May Also Like

News

A total of 57 prospects have officially made the final cut for the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Draft after successfully completing all documentary requirements,...

News

In a bid to maintain competitive balance, the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) is preparing to introduce new rules on player transactions — including a...

Alas Pilipinas

Over a month since their return to beach volleyball, things are looking promising for the SiPons tandem of Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons. Both...

News

Capital1 just hit the jackpot. The Solar Spikers landed the coveted No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Draft Lottery on...

News

Creamline continues to add more feathers to its already decorated cap, securing both the Team of the Year and Coach of the Year accolades...

2025 AVC Women's Champions League

Alyssa Valdez offered no excuses after Creamline’s campaign in the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League came to a heartbreaking end at the hands of...

2025 AVC Women's Champions League

While Creamline’s preparations for the upcoming Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference are still a ways off, head coach Sherwin Meneses offered an early look...

2025 AVC Women's Champions League

Nakhon Ratchasima QminC VC ended Creamline’s campaign in emphatic fashion, grabbing a straight-set 25-15, 25-22, 25-16 to secure a spot in the semifinals of...

Advertisement