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Alyssa Valdez has stood at the pinnacle of Philippine volleyball for over a decade.
But on Sunday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, the 32-year-old reminded everyone why she remains one of the sport’s most enduring icons.
Valdez was named one of the Best Outside Spikers in the 2025 PVL On Tour after compiling 69 points in the preliminary round, placing 10th overall in scoring. She also landed in the league’s top performers in several skill categories—seventh in spiking efficiency (31.75 percent), ninth in service (0.32 aces per set), and 10th in receiving (35.12 percent efficiency). Sharing the honor with Petro Gazz’s Myla Pablo, the Creamline skipper added yet another accolade to her decorated résumé—her ninth positional award.
Yet for Valdez, this recognition was about much more than numbers. It was a victory over adversity.
“After two years of siguro... Rollercoaster ride in terms of my therapy and getting back. I’m just very, very happy na kahit papaano meron tayong statement din na kahit papaano nakakabalik na,” she said, her voice tinged with relief after the announcement.
She paused before adding gratitude to the people who stayed with her through the difficult climb back.
“I just really want to say thank you, and I’m so grateful to all the people behind na tumutulong sa akin na makabalik ako. You know who you are and maraming, maraming salamat.”
The past two years tested Valdez’s resilience. In 2024, she missed back-to-back conferences—the Reinforced and the Invitational—due to a stubborn knee injury that refused to heal as quickly as she hoped.
When she finally returned in the six-month-long All-Filipino tournament that began in November, her minutes were limited.
She often came off the bench, watching Jema Galanza and Bernadeth Pons anchor the starting outside hitter positions while she slowly rediscovered her timing and rhythm.
But the competitive fire never left her.
With Pons now suiting up once again for the Philippine beach volleyball team, Valdez reclaimed her spot in Creamline’s starting rotation for this inaugural preseason tournament.
And true to form, she proved she still belongs among the PVL elite.
Her journey from patient to awardee is more than just a personal triumph; it’s a reminder of her unmatched staying power in the sport.
Even after a decade of highs, including multiple championships and MVP awards, Valdez continues to fuel her career with the same passion that once made her a household name.
“Honestly, syempre it’s a big pressure and responsibility pa rin getting an award but definitely it’s a confidence-booster din talaga and sana magtuloy tuloy lang din yung magagandang games and makatulong pa rin talaga ako sa team,” she shared.
