Local leagues await Alyssa Valdez, but overseas opportunities a possibility

Alyssa Valdez officially played the final game of her UAAP career on Saturday, but volleyball fans are expecting bigger things from the "Phenom" who dominated the collegiate scene for three years.

Local leagues Shakey's V-League and Philippine Super Liga await her arrival in the semi-pro ranks as the best outside spiker among her peers. But Valdez could very well receive offers to play in other countries after showing her talent in international games.

So which opportunity did she intend to pursue? Valdez said she was "open to both."

Even rival head coach Ramil de Jesus of De La Salle University believed that Valdez was destined for greater things.

"Sabi ko, at least nakapag-produce ng ganitong klase ng player 'yung Philippines," said de Jesus, who gave Valdez a hug after his team dethroned the Ateneo Lady Eagles on Saturday.

"Mas papunta pa siya sa mas mataas na level kasi may semi-pro, hindi ko alam kung saan V-League ba or PSL, at the same time national team," he added. "So mas malayo pa 'yung mararating nung bata."

Valdez is a three-time Most Valuable Player and a two-time champion in the UAAP. She has represented the Philippines in various international competitions like the Southeast Asian Games and the Asian Under-23 Volleyball Championship. — DVM, GMA News