Alyssa Valdez shares light moment with USA’s Micah Christenson in FIVB Worlds

From one volleyball star to another, Alyssa Valdez shared a light moment with USA captain Micah Christenson on the sidelines of the USA vs. Colombia match in the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

In a photo posted by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, Valdez and Christenson were seen smiling and chatting in the audience area.

This isn’t the first time the two volleyball stars have met.

They also crossed paths last year during the Volleyball Nations League.

“Yeah, we met each other last year during VNL. We talked a little bit. I got to meet not only her, but a handful of the Filipino women's national team and a little bit of the men's team as well,” Christenson recalled.

According to the USA team captain, they’ve kept in touch through social media.

“She’s been super kind. She told us that if there’s anything we need, they’re here to help, and that’s just an embodiment of Filipino culture, so kind and generous. We’re going to do our best to reciprocate that.”

The USA defeated Colombia in their opening match, 25–20, 25–21, 25–14.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News