UAAP MVP Valdez yet to feel rise of stardom in PH volleyball

MANILA, Philippines – It’s not secret that volleyball has risen to become one of the most popular sports in the Philippines.

One of the reasons why that’s happened is because of two-time UAAP MVP Alyssa Valdez, who has distinguished herself as one of the best athletes the sport has to offer. She’s performed well for the Ateneo Lady Eagles and in the Shakey’s V-League over the past few years. 

Valdez, like other volleyball stars, is regarded as a celebrity. These stars are heaped praises on social media and are adored by fans attending their games.  

But Valdez, when asked what it feels like to be a superstar, admitted she doesn’t feel like one. 

“Personally, as a player and a student-athlete, I really don’t feel na talaga ganoon ‘yung nangyayari sa (that’s what’s happening with) Philippine volleyball,” Valdez, 22, said at a press conference for PLDT Home Ultera. 

Likewise with the Santiago Sisters (Dindin and Jaja), Mika Reyes, Peter Torres, Rachel Daquis, Ara Galang, and Johnvic De Guzman, Valdez is a new ambassador for the brand. 

“Kasi (because) most of our time,” she continued, “we spend it sa (in) training, practices and school, and we’re guided also by support systems, so siguro (maybe) that’s why we really don’t think na medyo ganoon na po nangyayari sa (that’s what’s happening with) Philippine volleyball.” 

Valdez, who was named MVP of the last Shakey’s V-League tournament, also talked about how important the game is to volleyball players, and how it’s helped bring them closer.

“I think we all know naman na (that) we’re here just to love the sport also and we’re really blessed to be part of such a very tight family.” 

The Kobe 10s

Valdez said during the press conference that she recently acquired a new pair of Kobe 10 Fundamentals from Nike.

“I really love those shoes, as in, that pair. As in, sobra (really) the best,” she said, before later adding, “Who wouldn’t get that for a birthday present?” 

Valdez also said that Ateneo, which uses Nike for their apparel, as a team has also been using Kobe shoes by Nike over the past few years. 

“We started using Kobe’s since two years ago, 3 years ago. Ever since, nagko-Kobe’s na talaga kami (we’ve been using Kobe’s). Kobe Bryant for the win,” said Valdez, who also talked about her recuperation from minor injuries. 

“We really train hard, so it’s inevitable na magkakaroon ng mga (that we’ll get) minor injuries, but then our PTs and our coaches understand, so minsan (sometimes) they let us rest. We have to be sobrang (really) disciplined then para makapag-rest and recover (so we could rest and recover).” – Rappler.com