Alyssa Valdez is back on the international stage, and with it comes a renewed sense of pride and determination.
As she suits up for Creamline in the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League, the 31-year-old outside hitter is drawing extra motivation from the opportunity to wear the Philippine flag once again.
Having last represented the national team at the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia, Valdez expressed her deep gratitude for the chance to take the court once more, especially alongside her long-time teammates from the Cool Smashers. With the stakes high and the honor of representing her country at the forefront, Valdez is ready to give everything she has.
"Extra motivation talaga having the flag on our chest and representing as well Creamline Cool Smashers. Doble-doble ‘yung motivation and inspiration to fight today," Valdez shared after guiding Creamline to a dominant straight-set win over Al Naser on Sunday.
For Valdez, the honor of playing for the Philippines is always deeply personal. “It’s just so nice to play always for the Philippines. We play like there’s no tomorrow all the time because these chances, opportunities’ given to us, hindi naman all the time, so we’re gonna grab it and try to represent the country well."
On that Sunday, Valdez stepped up to lead her team to a 29-27, 25-20, 25-19 victory over the Jordanian squad, bringing the Cool Smashers one win away from securing a coveted quarterfinals spot in the prestigious tournament. She finished as the top local scorer for the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference silver medalists, tallying 10 points with seven attacks, two aces, one block, and a notable three excellent digs and receptions.
For a player with three PVL MVP awards under her belt, the opportunity to represent the Philippines again came as a pleasant surprise. After the 2023 SEA Games, Valdez had not expected another international appearance so soon. But now, wearing the Creamline jersey with the national flag emblazoned on her chest, she’s fully embracing the moment.
“Well, very overwhelming for me just because I think it never crossed my mind to represent again the Philippines in any competition. We’ll take this. Not just me, but the whole Creamline Cool Smashers because we’re here because of the whole team din," Valdez reflected. “But very overwhelmed but very excited and very happy to be able to represent. It’s been a while since last 2023. I’m with coach Sherwin also back in Cambodia, so it’s nice always given that opportunity.”
The weight of the responsibility is not lost on Valdez, who remains committed to bringing honor and pride to both her country and her club. With the Creamline Cool Smashers representing the Philippines on one of volleyball’s grandest stages, Valdez is determined to leave everything on the court.
“The only thing that we could do is bring honor and pride to the country all the time,” she said.
