EVEN credentials as storied and impressive as Alyssa Valdez’s won’t be enough to assure you a spot when tryouts for the national volleyball teams start in two weeks.
Newly appointed women’s volleyball national head coach Francis Vicente is bent on shutting the door on players who will not show up in the January 28, 29 and 31 workouts, however phenomenal they may be.
Valdez for instance, isn’t a shoo-in.
“We know Alyssa Valdez is above everyone else, famous,” said Vicente of the Ateneo standout during the Philippine Sportswriters Association forum inside PSC’s Media Center.
“But I don’t want to be unfair to anybody. I don’t want anyone saying I give preferential treatment. They all have to undergo the process (of trying out),” said the University of the East coach who coached Valdez during her high school days at UST.
But Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas (LVPI), isn’t worried with Valdez’s desire to play for the national team, as the 23-year-old has already expressed her willingness to join the squad when they wage battle in the regional and Asian level this year.
“Actually she met with me last Saturday,” said LVPI acting president Peter Cayco. “I told her that the instructions of coaches is that there will be no special treatment. But we would love for you to join the national team.”
“She said there will be breaks of two, three days. She will come home to try out for coach Francis,” said Cayco who is confident Alyssa will oblige even with her current stint overseas with Thai squad 3B Nakornnont.
Cayco says he is delighted with the show of intent from the former UAAP MVP, adding that it just goes to show the commitment and passion Valdez has for flag and country.
The Philippine volleyball teams will to compete in the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Under-23 Championship, and the Asian Senior championships.
Also in the forum were the top LVPI officials and Sammy Acaylar, who was designated as head coach of the men’s team.
LVPI President Joey Romasanta said Valdez’ expressing her desire to be part of the national team is good news for everybody.
“The expression of intent itself is very commendable of Alyssa being a true athlete. We’re very hopeful that she can join the tryouts,” said Romasanta.
Cayco, tasked to run the LVPI programs this year, said he has instructed the coaches to do a “systematic” way of selecting the players for the men’s and women’s teams.
“The task of selecting the coaches is done and over with. Now the coaches have the free hand to choose their assistants and then the players,” said Cayco.
