Creamline superstar Alyssa Valdez is already preparing for life beyond volleyball, knowing that her time on the court won’t last forever.
For years, Alyssa Valdez has been the face of Philippine volleyball, electrifying crowds with her relentless play and unwavering passion.
But even the most decorated athletes know that their time on the court is finite.
With still a few years left in the sport that has given her so much, as early as now, Valdez is preparing herself for life after the game.
"Alam mo, honestly, as an athlete, we all know that dadating tayo sa punto na titigil din tayo," Valdez admitted to Gretchen Ho on One News’ Morning Matters. "I feel like I owe that to myself, kasi if not, kawawa ‘yung katawan ko—physically and mentally."
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At 31, the Creamline Cool Smashers team captain has been showing off her vintage form in the ongoing 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference, especially now that she's back to full strength.
However, having experienced several injuries in the past few years, Valdez is well aware of the realities of aging in a sport where peak performance is often short-lived.
[ALSO READ: Alyssa Valdez opens up on injury recovery, embracing change: 'I'm finding myself again']
Unlike other professions where experience equates to longevity, in volleyball, the more seasons you play, the closer you get to the inevitable end.
"I think transitions in life, ‘yun talaga ‘yung nakakatakot na harapin, most especially as an athlete," Valdez said. "Para kang fine wine in other fields—you get better with time. But in volleyball, the more experience and age you gain, mas alam mong lumalapit ‘yung deadline."
For Alyssa, retirement is not just a possibility—it’s something she actively acknowledges and prepares for.
In fact, she has already started exploring other interests, from business ventures to media work, all in an effort to redefine her identity beyond the sport.
"As early as now, I'm trying different things—hosting, the business side of things, even candles," Valdez shared with a laugh. "Kung meron po kayong raket diyan."
[ALSO READ: Alyssa Valdez reveals the one volleyball superstar she wishes she had faced in her career]
Beyond her career, Valdez is also looking forward to another chapter of possibly starting a family.
"Of course, why not? If given the chance, why not, ‘di ba?" Valdez said with a smile. "May iba rin tayong priorities, and I have to accept that this [volleyball] is temporary."
But while she ventures into new opportunities, one thing remains constant—her love for volleyball. Through training camps and mentorship, Valdez ensures she stays connected to the game that has shaped her life.
"I know for a fact na hindi ko kayang ilayo ‘yung sarili ko sa volleyball," she admitted. "That’s why I want to help the younger generation reach for their dreams and love the sport as much as I do.”
For now, Valdez continues to compete, cherishing every moment on the court. But when the time comes to walk away, she hopes to do so with clarity, knowing she has built a future beyond volleyball.