Alyssa Valdez on what completes her game

MANILA, Philippines – Alyssa Valdez is a true champion on the court.

The 3-time UAAP MVP nabbed two championship titles under her name when she played for the Ateneo Lady Eagles for 5 years.

Now, Alyssa’s days as a college athlete are over, but she continues to excel in the game. “Volleyball takes up all my time as of now,” she says. (READ: No farewell tour just yet for graduating Alyssa)

She currently plays for the national volleyball team and is now dominating the pros in various leagues.

On top of volleyball, Alyssa has set out to conquer other things that she has set her mind to. She is not only a pro athlete for both local and international tournaments, but also a product endorser for several brands. One can only imagine how her everyday schedule is like.

“When you know your priorities, it is easier to balance your time,” Alyssa says.

She makes it a point to stay grounded despite everything that is going through in her life, and continues to give her A-game no matter what. “[My] dedication to training, hard work, and passion is what makes my game strong,” she shares.

But she doesn’t do this alone. “My training is not complete without my hardworking coaches and competitive teammates,” Alyssa says. This includes the support and guidance she receives from them, as well as her parents, that keeps her motivated to keep on doing what she’s doing, especially on the court.  

What makes her complete

Before any of her games, Alyssa doesn’t have any particular ritual to get in the zone. Before most games, she and her team would just usually sing and meditate inside the dugout. During the game, she does do one thing in particular: “One thing thing that I always do is to kiss the volleyball before I serve,” she confesses.

Alyssa says that as long as she and her team played their best, there’s no other feeling like it. “[My game is complete] when I enjoy the sport I love with the people who matter most,” she says.

More than just winning, it’s also important for her to walk out with no regrets or without saying ‘sayang’ after a game of training. So she perseveres and makes sure that she gives her best during training. “For me, a complete athlete is someone who is always striving to be better,” Alyssa says. And that’s what she’s like everyday, in every training and in every game.

This philosophy doesn’t just apply to her life as an athlete. “My day is not complete without the challenge to be a better version of myself,” she says.

Nowadays, she also takes the time to use her talent not just to win tournaments, but to inspire others to become the best athlete that they can be. (READ: Alyssa Valdez to expand volleyball skills camp to more areas) 

This is Alyssa’s own journey to feel complete at this point of her life. How she makes sure that she has no regrets when she walks off the court, and that she’s ready to face whatever it is given to her before she steps back in.

“Trust the process,” she shares, as advice to those who look up to her. “There are no shortcuts to success. Believe in yourself throughout your personal journey.” – Rappler.com

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All photos courtesy of Alyssa Valdez