WATCH: Off the court and at home with Alyssa Valdez

Therese Reyes

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WATCH: Off the court and at home with Alyssa Valdez
Feel as if you’re hanging out with ‘The Phenom’ as she talks about some of her hobbies and favorites

MANILA, Philippines — Given the chance to sit down and talk to Ateneo Lady Blue Spiker Alyssa Valdez, it would be easy to lose your cool. With more than 400 thousand followers on Instagram, and even more across other social media platforms, she has gone beyond being a “student-athlete” and is now a full-fledged influencer.

But even after being labeled “The Phenom” of Philippine volleyball, it turns out that she’s just like a lot of other college students out there – she works hard to keep her grades up, is totally hooked on Arrow. Once away from the pressures of the court, the 22 year-old transforms into a soft-spoken, down-to-earth girl who’s ready to chase her dreams.

Alyssa, the student

A varsity player since high school, being a student-athlete was nothing new for Alyssa. Even as she pursued her degree in AB Psychology at Ateneo, she had no problem waking up for three-hour training sessions that would begin at 5:30 in the morning, attend classes, and then train again from 5 to 8 pm.

Hectic as it may be, Alyssa actually thinks this rigorous schedule is what taught her to prioritize, manage time properly, and be more disciplined.

Not satisfied with only learning inside the classroom, she makes it a point to regularly go online and read about current affairs. “As student-athletes living in a dorm, we don’t get to watch TV for news and other stuff, so Internet connection is very important for us. Not only for school research, but for staying updated with everything happening in the country and around the world.”

Family is also another priority for Alyssa, so much so that when she’s away, she makes sure to keep in touch through video calls. When they do get to spend time together, there’s nothing she loves more than to share a meal together and watch movies.

Alyssa, the homebody

When given the chance to have time alone, it’s some shut-eye Alyssa looks forward to the most. But even after getting much needed Zzzs, she confesses that it still doesn’t take much to keep her entertained. “I love to watch movies and TV shows! I get to a point where I watch the same movies twice. I also enjoy watching The Proposal and How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days on iflix. For TV series, I like to stream Arrow and Scandal.” (READ: 5 ways to stay entertained, everywhere)

Alyssa, the millennial

Her social media arsenal is the standard trio of Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. And although she doesn’t get to post as much as she would like, a quick scroll down her feed will show that she is as fond of documenting memories as anyone. A collection of travel photos, team shots, and even unabashed celebrity sightings, her accounts act as venues for sharing a little bit of her everyday self.

Through social media, she also connects with her supporters by updating them on new projects and activities. Far from seeing it as a one-way conversation, Alyssa also looks forward to reading about her supporters’ opinions and reactions. “I really appreciate their time and effort to support me and make me feel special. It’s a priceless feeling. I always feel grateful.”

She’s even part of a Viber Public Chat group called Volley Friends along with other volleyball idols. To her, apart from being able to engage with people even more, it’s a great way to champion and promote the sport she loves. “As a public sports figure, I use the Internet to engage with the volleyball community. It helps keep me grounded.” (READ: Alyssa Valdez: ‘There’s really hope for Philippine volleyball)

Alyssa, the dreamer

This UAAP season is the last one for Alyssa but it is far from being the end. She hopes to one day represent the Philippines in international competitions, and to be able to play outside the country and gain more experience and exposure.

Wide-eyed and eager to do more, she hasn’t forgotten about the degree she worked countless numbers of hours for. “I’d like to be in a job that will allow me to practice Psychology, and eventually, God-willing, I’d like to put up my own business too.”

Want to get to know Alyssa even more? Watch the second part of At Home with the Volley Friends and see her play a round of “Friend, date, marry” and “Would you rather?”— Rappler.com 

 

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