MANILA, Philippines – Alyssa Valdez yesterday confirmed she’ll play in the Shakey’s V-League’s although the former Ateneo hotshot still has to sign up with a team 10 days before the 13th season of the country’s premier volley league is unveiled.
There were earlier reports that the power-hitting Valdez, whose talent and skills have made her the face of the sport for years, has entertained offers to play abroad following a failed bid to carry the Lady Eagles to a three-peat against the La Salle Lady Spikers in the recent UAAP finals.
“I’m going to play here for the Shakey’s V-League,” said Valdez in yesterday’s launch of the PLDT Home Ultera Alyssa Valdez summer camp at The Frazzled Cook in Quezon City.
Valdez, who won three MVP trophies and two championships in five finals appearances in the UAAP, however, said she still has no team yet after her mother team, PLDT, begged off to compete in the upcoming conference.
“I have no team yet but I will surely play,” said Valdez, who is likely to sign up with Philips Gold or Pocari Sweat.
Valdez has previously received job offers to play for a club team in Maldives, Indonesia or Thailand. She is also expected to lead the national team seeing action in various international tournaments, including the Southeast Asian Games.
“I’m really open to play outside the country and give myself a chance to play for the national team and represent the country as my way of giving back to the sport,” said Valdez.
Along with her volley friends, Valdez launched a program named after her.
They will hold training camps in different venues, including one in Batangas and Cubao, Quezon City.
Among the known players joining her are Johnvic de Guzman, Ange Tabaquero, Shai Arandador, Ateneo teammates Bea de Leon, Jhoanna Maraguinot, Amy Ahomiro, Ella de Jesus and Kim Fajardo, who helped La Salle beat Valdez and Ateneo for this year’s UAAP championship.