A mix of love for the game, stamina, needle-sharp focus and killer charm (on and off the court) might make you a “most valuable player” once, but to be awarded the title thrice in a row? Something pretty special is definitely going underneath that jersey. Ateneo Lady Eagles’ Alyssa Valdez strikes again: not only did she help rally her team to a victory against arch rival De La Salle University; she also bagged the Best Scorer, Best Server and Women’s Volleyball MVP awards for UAAP Season 78.
PeopleAsia recounts this Woman of Style & Substance 2014 awardee’s milestones as a sportswoman:
- Alyssa shares that it was through her brothers that she, the only girl, first learned the sport. Alyssa joined her two brothers in volleyball games where she began to love the sport.
- Alyssa became part of her elementary school’s volleyball team by the time she reached Grade 4. Within a year, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) recruited her to be part of their roster for the Southern Tagalog Calabarzon Athletic Association (STCAA).
- She led the team to three UAAP titles, and was hailed as MVP in Seasons 71 and 72.
- Over at the equally popular volleyball open, the Shakey’s V-League, her team also bagged a title, that same season that Alyssa was hailed MVP.
- It was also during high school that Alyssa played a qualifying game for the Palarong Pambansa, an annual multi-sporting event for student athletes nationwide.
- Once in Ateneo, however, residency requirements made Alyssa miss action in the UAAP during her freshman year, removing the possibility of her being named Rookie of the Year.
- In 2014, Alyssa became a PeopleAsia Women of Style and Substance awardee, cementing her status as a female icon with the whole package.
- During UAAP’s 76th staging, she led the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles to their first-ever volleyball championship.
- Alyssa was then awarded her first MVP award for the league, not knowing that she would get it again on the 77th and 78th season.
Indeed, the 22-year-old has so much to live for and look forward to. “After my studies, if my body permits, I want to play three to five years more,†Alyssa shared. No matter what Alyssa decides to pursue after university life, with a good head on her shoulders and unflinching determination, Alyssa will, undoubtedly, be a smash hit wherever she finds herself.
Read more about Alyssa and fellow volley-belles Michele Gumabao and Gretchen Ho here.
(Alyssa receiving her Women of Style and Substance award in 2014)
 
(PeopleAsia’s Women of Style and Substance 2014 awardees include model and philanthropist Jenny Rockett, Peabody awardee and broadcast journalist Kara David, UAAP MVP for Women’s Volleyball Alyssa Valdez, Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago, TV/movie actress Alice Dixson, TV host/ singer Toni Gonzaga, Binibining Pilipinas International 2014 Bianca Guidotti, Binibining Pilipinas Supranational 2014 Yvethe Marie Santiago and Binibining Pilipinas Universe 2014 Mary Jean Lastimosa)
