It's safe to say that we basically grew up watching Alyssa Valdez serving talent and grace on the volleyball court. She's been professionally playing volleyball way before she entered college and became one of the top athletes for the Ateneo De Manila University. Now, the volleyball star is moving towards reinventing herself.
That's something that Alyssa herself declared during an interview with Boy Abunda. "I'm trying to embrace, Tito Boy, 'yung growth na nangyayari sa akin. At the end of the day, I'm thinking of siyempre planning also for the future...So now I'm trying talaga other things: hosting, anchoring. Trying to divert also to explore the business side of things."
In case you didn't know, aside from vigorously playing for her team the Creamline Cool Smashers, Alyssa is currently a YouTube content creator and a businesswoman! In 2023, she actually launched her candle business, which just started as a hobby before turning into something more meaningful over the pandemic.
She posted in February 2023, "Finally! I've been meaning to share this! Candle-making always makes me feel relaxed and calm. I hope that lighting one up in your home will make you feel the same way."
And of course, Alyssa has her own official YouTube channel where she shares snippets of her life as a professional volleyball athlete in the Philippines, a traveler, and basically a personality thriving in her own space at the moment.
Her latest video on her "Official Alyssa Valdez" channel was about the latest leg of her "Alyssa Valdez Volleyball Youth Camp" or AVVYC. There were about 70 (!) aspiring athletes who attended her youth camp held in Marikina City.
Is Alyssa Valdez retiring from volleyball?
Indeed, Alyssa is in her prime years at the moment. She has a successful career already, a steady path as an athlete, and many more. But one inevitable question has to be asked: is she retiring from volleyball anytime soon?
During her interview with Tito Boy, she admitted that she had already thought about ending her volleyball career. She noted that although there's no definite retirement age for volleyball players in the Philippines, Alyssa is already preparing for when she has to leave the court.
"I feel like medyo malapit na rin ako [mag-retire], Tito Boy. I've been playing for the past 20 years already, I wanna learn more, most especially after my injury. But hindi ko na rin tinatanggal sa isip ko na in reality talaga matatapos at matatapos ang playing time ko," Alyssa expressed. It was in 2023 when she underwent a medical procedure for her knee that resulted to months-long layoff from playing.
With that, we can say that Alyssa has a clear sight of what she wants to happen in her career. So what about her love life? The volleyball star is currently single (although she said that there's someone sending her kilig vibes at the moment!).
ALSO READ: Alyssa Valdez And Kiefer Ravena Officially Called It Quits After 6 Years Of Being Together
When asked about her thoughts about marriage, specifically when she wants to settle down, she replied, "Right now, I'm actually staying in the present, Tito Boy." The athlete added, "Whatever comes, I'm ready. I feel like I'm ready."
We're so excited for you, Alyssa!
