Philippine volleyball phenom Alyssa Valdez has never felt this excited to step onto a court again.

Since the lockdown in March last year, Valdez has not played the game, but she knows that a breakthrough is coming with the professionalization of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).

Valdez also hopes the creation of the new volleyball national sports association (NSA) Philippine National Volleyball Federation Inc (PNVFI) will help stage the sport’s comeback.

“I’m looking forward to having games and hoping the new federation can help keep it going. Other than that, really excited to play,” said Valdez.

PNVFI was officially recognized by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) last Wednesday, January 27 at the general assembly and is set to gain Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) recognition as well.

The PVL, where Valdez’ team Creamline Cool Smashers play, is set to open on April 10 in the National University (NU) INSPIRE Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna.

The three-time PVL champions, as well as the other teams, are still waiting for the green light from the IATF to resume training after 11 months of lockdown.

Last year, only the PBA, Philippines Football League (PFL) and the Chooks-to-Go 3×3 league were able to stage competitions in a bubble set-up.

As a MILO ambassador who has been training individually throughout the pandemic, Valdez continues to encourage aspiring volleyball players to hone their skill, no matter how frustrating it can be.

“It’s really frustrating, but I think this is the right time to also learn the basics and the fundamentals because honestly, as you have seen, the wall has become my best friend,” shared Valdez in a mix of English and Filipino.

“I’ve been training since I was 10 years old and it has always been team trainings or court trainings, but this pandemic has taught me that individual training is so important because it helps you get to know yourself and what you need to strengthen for your sport.” – Rappler.com