ANTIPOLO — After not playing in the previous two Premier Volleyball League (PVL) conferences, Alyssa Valdez donned the pink and white jersey on Saturday and showed why she is the country's volleyball icon.
The 31-year-old spiker is grateful to be back on the taraflex and is focused on enjoying the process.
"You know, honestly, It's just so nice to be able to feel that I am able to jump again, to spike again, to help again ... So if you're going to ask me how far [I am from my career] ... I think right now I just wanna celebrate on what I have right now, on the present, I wanna stay in the present," Valdez said after Creamline's 25-19, 25-22, 25-16 win over Petro Gazz.
"That's one thing that I've learned also. Be present, and celebrate small wins, stay in the present just be glad and grateful for everything that is happening right now."
Popularly known as The Phenom, Valdez chipped in four points on three attacks and a block, scoring her first two points late in the first set, and delivered as the finisher.
In the third and fourth frames, Valdez came off from the bench once more and scored important kills to secure Creamline's victory over the Angels.
She held tightly to her belief in taking it one game at a time, especially as she experienced a nagging knee injury during the Reinforced and Invitational Conferences.
"Super blessed since coming from an injury... and the feeling is different if you're included in the lineup. It was difficult for me but the coach (Sherwin Meneses) told us that it's a total team effort, so I don't feel like I am carrying something ... You just have to perform, be yourself there, and carry yourself there," she said.
Being sidelined for four months, Valdez sees volleyball from a different perspective and appreciates more of her teammate's hard work.
"Being on the sideline for the two conferences, 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 that they're helping each other," Valdez said.
"I think from then on, and because of that as well, I realized that I have to actually enjoy the sport again, be back, and be happier than ever. Hopefully, that's the same energy that I am giving to them."