Alyssa Valdez eyes SEAG stint

MANILA, Philippines – Alyssa Valdez, the best player in the country today, said she will go through the process and try out for a spot in the national women's volleyball team seeing action in the 29th Southeast Asian Games set August 19-31 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

This came just a few days after newly appointed national women's coach Francis Vicente recently announced all players wanting to make the SEAG-bound team must go through the process.

The 23-year-old Valdez, a three-time UAAP MVP and a product of the Phl Volleyball League or formerly Shakey's V-League, said she doesn't mind.

"One of the main key for us to form a competitive team, we have to have committed players from the start and it has to be fair for everyone when it comes to the player selection and all should follow the rules," said Valdez, the country's flag-bearer in the 2015 Singapore SEAG.

"I don't think Thailand hinder me to play for the Philippines. We just really have to fix our schedule and find a way. Hopefully, all my schedule will fall into place. 

"That is also my goal ko as an athlete, to represent the country in the international arena. That’s why I’m trying different things to contribute to Philippine volleyball," she added.

Valdez will leave today for Thailand to play for 3BB Nakornnont in the Thai League and Thai-Denmark Super League in the next couple of months.

She will be the first player to ever play in the super-strong league and the first Filipina to ever see action as an import in the international scene.

Valdez said she's excited and nervous because she will carry the name of the country there.

"One conference at a time. I think we just have to focus on that first step and eventually good things will come out of it. It's a good opportunity for us to try our luck there and hopefully there are more players from our country who can also get the same opportunity I have," she said.