Alyssa Valdez is ecstatic to finally be back on the court for the Creamline Cool Smashers in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Though it didn’t look like it, Alyssa Valdez admitted to having some nerves in her first game back for the Creamline Cool Smashers in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
It took a while, but Valdez was finally on the board in the second set after blocking Remy Palma’s attack. She would go on to finish the match with four points on three attacks and one block.
Despite the nerves, the 31-year-old superstar is just ecstatic to finally be back in the Creamline lineup, helping the Cool Smashers take down the Petro Gazz Angels in straight sets.
“Honestly, I was nervous a while ago talaga but super excited din to be able to be part of the 14-man lineup. Super blessed lang kasi siyempre coming from an injury, iba din ‘yung feeling na nakasama sa lineup,” Valdez said during the post-game press conference.
“Sobra talaga ‘yung kaba ko pero sabi nga ni coach [Sherwin Meneses] it’s a total team effort so hindi mo mafe-feel na may dala-dala ka but you just have to perform it, bring yourself there, care yourself there,” she added.
Valdez was out for four months due to a nagging knee injury, causing her to miss Creamline’s Grand Slam completion by winning the 2024 Reinforced and Invitational Conferences.
The road to recovery wasn’t easy as well for Valdez, having to endure long therapy and training to be back on the taraflex.
But because of this, the Phenom saw a different perspective when playing the sport she loves.
“It wasn’t easy. It’s hot and cold. May mga days na okay, may mga days na hindi talaga but I think that’s part of the process talaga and mas dun tumitibay ‘yung loob, ‘yung katawan, tsaka dun talaga na-reinvent ko sarili ko and nahahanap ko kung sino ako,” Valdez explained.
“So, I guess I saw volleyball in a different perspective that’s why I’m glad to be back,” she added.
Now finally back, Valdez also shared some of the learnings she took away from her recovery process, as well as how the Cool Smashers performed while she was away.
“I just saw how talented, amazing my teammates are that’s one thing for sure. How they want to play volleyball in such a way na nagtutulungan talaga sila, I think from then on, because of that as well, I realize na I just have to actually, enjoy the sport again, be back and be happier than ever,” said Valdez.
“Hopefully ‘yun din yung energy na maitulong ko sa kanila,” she added.
[ALSO READ: 'Good problem': Creamline nears full-strength with Alyssa's return and sweep of Petro Gazz in PVL All-Filipino]
Valdez will look to find her form in the extended All-Filipino Conference as Creamline heads north in Candon, Ilocos Sur where the champs will face the Akari Chargers on Saturday, Nov. 23.