IT has become Alyssa Valdez’s mission this year to rediscover her 'love' for volleyball again.
Her longstanding relationship with the sport she helped revolutionize in the country was put on hold in 2024 after missing a huge chunk of the last PVL season with recurring knee issues.
READ: Alyssa Valdez, PVL's 'old guard' proving they still belong
Creamline’s well-loved captain had a candid reflection on what she ruled to be the catalyst of her injury-ridden past.
Through the years, it hasn’t just been Valdez racing back to form and fitness. In the Phenom’s own words, it’s also been an uphill battle with her ‘stubborn’ self.
“Siguro after all the injuries, I’ve been very hard on myself thinking that I had to get back up again 100 percent immediately,” Valdez shared with SPIN.ph.
“I think that’s why I had so many health issues also back in 2022 to 2023 was because I was rushing things.
“Volleyball has been my outlet and I want to get back all the time. This is my source of happiness, that’s why I’ve been really pushing myself.”
Slow and steady has been the theme of Valdez’ much-awaited PVL comeback in the ongoing 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
The 31-year-old skipper has so far normed 7.4 points in the Cool Smashers’ perfect five-game start.
While that number isn’t anywhere near her vintage form just yet, Valdez is a firm believer that even at the latter stages of her career, the best things will still take time.
It won’t just be Valdez letting her mind say ‘yes’ this time. Her body should, too.
“That’s one of the lessons I learned — to take my time. God will always give the time that you need para mas makabalik ka nang mas maayos at mas maganda ‘yung performance,” Valdez said.
“i just want to take a breather and really take one step a time. I just really can’t wait to finally say na I’m actually enjoying the sport again. I’m just really looking forward na mas ma-enjoy at ma-gamay ko ulit ‘yung sport lalong-lalo na after having so many health issues," she added.
“This 2025, I want to rediscover ‘yung love ko sa sport, most especially volleyball.”
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