IT was 707 days ago when Alyssa Valdez last represented the Philippines in the international stage, captaining a national team that fell short of a breakthrough bronze medal finish at the 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Cambodia.
While the three-time PVL MVP has since publicly expressed her desire for one more tour of duty for the country, Alyssa would’ve never thought that it was still a real possibility with the influx of young talent in the sport.
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But at 31, Valdez got her much-desired shot at the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League, leading Creamline in the 29-27, 25-20, 25-19 win over Jordan's Al Naser Club in a smashing 2015 AVC Women's Champions League debut.
“This is very overwhelming for me just because I think it never crossed my mind to represent again the Philippines in any competition,” said Valdez after tallying 10 points, five receptions and three digs — second only behind resident American import Erica Staunton’s 17-piece - in the win.
“It’s been a while since last 2023. I was with coach Sherwin [Meneses] also back in Cambodia, so it’s nice always given that opportunity and the only thing that we could do is bring honor and pride to the country all the time.”
More than the pursuit of redemption from their 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference finals heartbreak, Valdez made it her mission in her international comeback to ‘play like there’s no tomorrow’ in leading the Cool Smashers.
“Extra motivation talaga having the flag on our chest and representing as well Creamline Cool Smashers. Doble-doble ‘yung motivation and inspiration to fight today. It’s just so nice to play always for the Philippines,” Valdez said.
“We play like there’s no tomorrow all the time because these chances, opportunities’ given to us, hindi naman all the time, so we’re gonna grab it and try to represent the country well.”
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