In the world of sports, victories and defeats often go hand in hand, shaping the narratives of athletes and teams alike.
Creamline team captain, Alyssa Valdez, experienced this emotional rollercoaster firsthand in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference final.
Despite the Cool Smashers' five-set loss to Kurashiki, Valdez's unwavering spirit and dedication to her team shone through, leaving an indelible mark on the court and in the hearts of her fans.
Alyssa Valdez, a seasoned veteran in Philippine volleyball, couldn't contain her emotions as tears streamed down her face after the devastating defeat.
It was a heartbreak that stemmed not only from the missed opportunity to close out the game but also from her physical limitations during the final two sets.
Valdez's determination to lead her team inside the court was evident, but her injury proved to be a formidable opponent on the path to victory.
“I’m very happy I’m able to actually play games. It’s just so sad that I couldn't finish the conference physically,” said Valdez, who was seen limping right after the match.
Despite the pain and disappointment, Valdez remained optimistic and saw this challenging experience as an opportunity for growth and improvement. The 30-year-old athlete vowed to use this setback as motivation to come back even stronger in the season-ending conference.
"So yeah, I've learned so much. I'm just grateful to be back on the court with my teammates, and I believe that after this experience, there are many reasons to strive for improvement and focus on getting back to a hundred percent on the court," said Valdez, showcasing her resilience and unwavering dedication to the sport she loves.
Valdez's journey in the Invitationals wasn't without its hurdles. Initially, she faced a shaky start, but as the competition progressed, she gradually found her rhythm and played a pivotal role in helping the Cool Smashers reach their ninth finals appearance. However, her journey took a detour in the semifinals against Kurashiki, where she had to confront her left knee injury once more.
During the critical final frame of their match against the Japanese club, Valdez's left knee was iced, and she was not able to step onto the court. Yet, she remained gracious in defeat, acknowledging that injuries are part and parcel of an athlete's life. She praised Kurashiki's performance and expressed her gratitude for the learning opportunities the Invitationals provided for her team.
"I think as an athlete, it's normal to experience pain. I just came back from an injury as well. It's a bit sad that it happened on this particular day, but I won't make excuses. Japan really did a good job today, and everyone in our team played very well," said Valdez, acknowledging the efforts of her opponents and fellow teammates.
Despite the loss, Valdez was proud of how the rest of the Cool Smashers stepped up during the Invitationals. She acknowledged the strong team spirit and camaraderie that drove them forward, even in the face of adversity.
"At the end of the day, everyone in our team really did a good job, even those coming off the bench. Our system was well-established, so whoever was chosen to be part of the team would truly deliver," said Valdez, emphasizing the unity that fueled their performance.
Her individual accolades, including the Best Outside Spiker award, were not claimed solely for herself. Valdez dedicated the recognition to her teammates and coaches, whose unwavering support and motivation helped her overcome her seven-month hiatus due to a right knee injury last December.
"I didn't really expect to receive an award. It was truly because of my teammates; their support was immense. I believe I wouldn't have been able to overcome these trials and challenges without them and my coaches, so this award is really for everyone," expressed the multiple-time league MVP, highlighting her humility and the strong bond she shares with her team.
