March 2 ------ Volleyball star Alyssa Valdez reassured fans that she has no plans of stepping away from the sport anytime soon, promising to continue playing for years to come. "As of now I would want to say that I'm getting better talaga. I'm recovering well from my injuries. I'm doing the best I can para mas matagal pa ako makapaglaro so I would say you will see me more often, you will see more of Alyssa in the next few years," she said in an interview with Gretchen Ho on One PH's Morning Matters.
When asked about the kind of legacy she hopes to build as an athlete, Alyssa emphasized her perseverance and passion for the sport. "I think gusto ko lang maalala ng mga tao sa akin na I'm the type of player na who never gives up. And gusto ko maalala nila na ang saya pala ng volleyball 'pag pinapanood nila ako," she remarked.
Reflecting on what could be her life after volleyball, Alyssa admitted that transitioning away from the sport is daunting. "I think transitions in life 'yun talaga 'yung nakakatakot na harapin most especially as an athlete. Kasi in other fields, the more you gain experience, the more time you have, para kang fine wine eh, gagaling ka, mas magi-improve ka. Pero in volleyball, the more na nadadagdagan 'yung experience mo and age mo, alam mong mas lumalapit na 'yung deadline or patapos na rin 'yung career mo," she pointed out.
Alyssa got candid about her fears about the future. "Alam mo natatakot talaga ako. As early as now natatakot ako and I think I have to be honest with myself din. Nakakatakot talaga 'yung pagtalon mo after volleyball kasi I know for a fact na I cannot detach myself from the sport. I know for a fact that volleyball is my life," she admitted.
Despite her apprehensions, Alyssa is actively preparing for life beyond playing professionally. "As early as now... [I'm] trying to accept the fact that I'm gonna retire soon is because ayaw kong umabot sa point na hindi ko alam kung sino ako. So as early as now I'm trying to go on different directions... learning other things [like] hosting, business side of things," she highlighted. The athlete added: "I'm doing volleyball camps also kasi I know for a fact na hindi ko kaya ilayo 'yung sarili ko sa volleyball so I'm trying to help also this young generation to actually reach for their dreams and love the sport as much as I love it."
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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