 |
| Alyssa Valdez |
Whenever she's on the service line, there's this unmistakable roar of the crowd reverberating in the confines of the playing venue.
Every time she would soar for a hit, the crowd goes wild in anticipation more so if it's a successful spike.
One time, she wiped her sweat off with her jersey accidentally revealing those abs and the crowd went nuts.
She's mobbed every time she's headed to the dugout, the team bus or her car.
That's how popular the young Batangueña wearing Ateneo De Manila University Lady Eagles' jersey number 2 is. She's undoubtedly the face of Philippine volleyball today.
Perhaps it's the demeanor inside and outside the court that has endeared her more to her countless fans.
Perhaps it's her quiet and unassuming ways.
Perhaps it's because of her being a clutch player. The type who won't shy away during crunch time. Like Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Lebron James and Steph Curry in the NBA, she won't hesitate to take over during the crucial stages of a match.
Her attacking skills is unrivaled on Philippine shores. She has proven that time and again even in international competitions - the Asian Under 23 held here and the SEA Games in Singapore.
The last UAAP match she played however, was not the most fitting of finales after her school relinquished the crown to their bitter arch-rivals.
No three-peat. No championship send-off. No storybook ending.
Still, she went out swinging up to the last point like a true western gunslinger. She was in tears but didn't look defeated.
She held center court, made the rounds of the venue, did her own lap of champions, hugged the victors and waved to thousands of supporters amidst a deafening cheer.
She then gathered her teammates for what would be the last time, assured each and everyone there's nothing to be ashamed of as they gladly wore that hard-earned silver medal.
Five seasons, two championships, three runner-up finishes, three MVP plums and a host of other individual accolades later, her collegiate career is done.
Phenom out.
Take a bow Alyssa Valdez!
