At this point in her career, there’s nothing more that Alyssa Valdez wants than to play for the Philippines.
Fresh from another stint with the National Team in the 29th Southeast Asian Games in Malaysia, the four-time PVL MVP spoke of a pivotal point in her career.
“It was really a learning experience. I can say it was one of the turning points of my career,” Valdez told Tiebreaker Times. “It really challenged me as an athlete and as an individual, on and off the court.
“I’m just really happy na I was given the privilege to go through that challenge with that team and group of people.”
The 24-year-old, more than ever, is focused on improving as a volleyball player to advance her career and garner more National Team nods.
“It was a different challenge. Before, I had commitments sa school, now I’m really looking forward to just represent the country. ‘Yun siguro ‘yung nag-iba sa mind-setting. Iba ‘yung focus ngayon.”
The former Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagle, however, realizes that it will take a united effort from everyone in Philippine volleyball to improve their fourth-place finish in the recently-concluded SEA Games.
“Sana, pagdating ng 2019, wala na tayong excuses na we had limited time to prepare.
“Sana we’re all ready, we’re all prepared to really win and fight for our country. The whole team feels this way talaga. We’re really looking forward to seeing each other more often to train and to be able to make a statement na we’re really serious about winning for our country,” the two-timee UAAP champion stressed.
—
As for her immediate playing future, Valdez has several offers lined up from foreign club leagues. She still has a standing offer from 3BB Nakornonnt in the Thailand Volleyball League where she played earlier this year. She also revealed that she was speaking with Chinese Taipei.
“As of now, I’m talking with Chinese Taipei.
“Pero, last time I was in Thailand, nagtanong din sila if I’m willing na bumalik. Wala pa namang final decisions. We’re all thankful for all these blessing na pumapasok,” Valdez said.
For now, hashing out her schedule is the upmost priority. Valdez is taking the National Team into consideration as well her mother team, the Creamline Cool Smashers, so as to avoid conflicts.
“I’m talking to my managers pa din kasi may offers feom ibang countries din,” she shared.
“Creamline din ‘yung mother team ko sa kailangan din nila malaman. We’re really talking about it to fix our schedule para maganda ‘yung calendar natin talaga.”
