Fifth SEA Games battle for the Phenom. First time as the captain.
No. Alyssa Valdez is not underestimating the SEA Games, and she's not in any way taking her captain duties lightly.
The Phenom just trusts her national squad teammates that much.
"Being named as the captain, I feel like everyone has established their names, they're captains and leaders on their own," Valdez said.
"For me it would be an easy job dahil talagang they know what to do and I hope I can just guide them kung ano 'yung pwede nilang i-look forward sa darating na SEA Games."
Playing in her fifth biennial meet, Valdez knows well how difficult their task is. The Philippines Women's Volleyball Team is looking for its first podium finish in 18 years.
"Even if I'm not the captain of the team, the goal is to get back the honor to our country. Hopefully talaga, we'll work hard, we'll give our 100% para makapagbalik tayo ng honor sa ating bansa."
Still recovering from her knee injury, Valdez said the inclusion in the national team is an added motivation in her recovery.
"I'm super happy, super overwhelmed to still be part of the national team. It's an extra push, motivation for me to be back 100% this coming SEA Games."