FORMER Ateneo star spiker Alyssa Valdez hopes that more Filipino volleyball players can play for club teams in other countries.
Valdez said this after she got an opportunity to join a club team in Thailand.
“I am very excited about this and hope that this opens doors for more Filipino volleyball players to get the chance to play overseas. This is a blessing that has been very timely as we celebrate the Christmas season,” said Valdez in a statement.
The 23-year-old Valdez has dreamed of playing and shining in international meets.
This is why she is thankful and has expressed her gratitude with the Thai club 3BB Nakornnont, which has asked her to report for practice in two weeks’ time.
“I thank 3BB Nakornnont for giving me the opportunity to join them next year We are still threshing out details as of now,” she added.
She will be flying to Thailand on Jan. 15 to begin preparing for the Women’s Volleyball Thailand League starting Jan. 29.
Four other Filipina players from the Philippine Superliga are being considered by Thai teams.
PSL president Ramon Suzara said invites have been sent Jaja Santiago of Foton, Kim Fajardo and Aby Marano of F2 Logistics and Jovelyn Gonzaga of RC Cola-Army to see action in the Thai-Denmark Super League in March.
Valdez’s first international stint comes at the end of a five-year collegiate career with Ateneo in the UAAP last April.
After that, she saw action for BaliPure and Bureau of Customs in the Shakey’s V-League.
3BB Nakornnont, which is based in Nonthaburi, Thailand, is the same club where Som Kuthaison and Nic Jaisaen play—Thais who recently were teammates of Valdez at Customs in the V-League Reinforced Conference.
“It’s always been a dream to play internationally and this is a very important step to making it happen. Thank you,” added Valdez.