FOR one of Philippine volleyball’s longest-serving icons in Alyssa Valdez, her mileage is starting to catch up.
That reality partly explains why the 32-year-old Creamline captain has come off the bench in the Cool Smashers’ first three games of the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference, where the team posted a 2-1 record.
While it remains an unfamiliar sight to see a player of Valdez’s stature outside the starting rotation, the longtime team leader understands that such adjustments are part of the natural progression of her career.
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With fellow outside hitters Bernadeth Pons and Jema Galanza back in the mix, Valdez has embraced a reduced role, ready to provide support and stability whenever called upon.
“In practice kasi, we still do everything na pinapagawa sa amin ng mga coaches so at least for me, gagawin ko lahat, everything, 100 percent in practice para ‘pag tinawag tayo ng coaches, ready pa rin tayo,” said Valdez.
As much as she has long thrived under the spotlight, Valdez is now equally determined to show her value as a team player.
Having carried the mantle as one of the sport’s most recognizable stars from her collegiate days to the professional ranks, the ‘Phenom’ now welcomes sharing the spoils with her teammates for the benefit of the 10-time champions' bid to return to championship relevance after a title-less 2025.
“Hindi naman siya kanya-kanya lang, it’s a team sport. Hindi naman din natatapos kung sino lang ‘yung nasa loob,” she said.
“Sa team naman namin, we definitely support each other and we’re just very, very proud of each other and very happy kung sino ‘yung nagshi-shine. Talagang full support kami lahat.”
Though the perennial powerhouse is still rediscovering its rhythm, Valdez believes the growing pains are necessary as Creamline works toward regaining its dominant form.
“We’re really trying to find it pa to parang maging in tune kami as a team,” she said.
“It’s just so nice to be able to have that never give up mentality again so sana magtuloy-tuloy pa.”
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