At a time when Alas Pilipinas is scrambling to rebuild its roster just weeks before the AVC Women’s Cup, one of the most familiar names in Philippine volleyball may once again be stepping forward.
Alyssa Valdez — long regarded as the face of the national team through multiple generations — is reportedly willing to suit up again for the country as Alas prepares to open training camp on Monday for the June 6 to 14 tournament in Candon City, Ilocos Sur.
“Very willing to support,” Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Tonyboy Liao said Sunday, referring to Valdez.
And this time, the support could come from inside the court once more.
Asked in what capacity the longtime Creamline star would help the national team, Liao answered directly: as a “player.”
The possible return of Valdez arrives at a critical stretch for Alas Pilipinas, which has spent the past several weeks navigating uncertainty surrounding both its roster and coaching staff.
Multiple key players from previous national team campaigns have already reportedly declined participation in the upcoming AVC Women’s Cup, including current team captain Jia de Guzman, former UAAP MVPs Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon, as well as injured Adamson standout Shaina Nitura.
Meanwhile, the program also absorbed another major setback after head coach Tai Bundit suffered an ankle injury following a scooter accident in Bangkok, temporarily sidelining the decorated Thai mentor during a crucial buildup period.
With the team still trying to finalize its lineup and interim coaching setup, Valdez’s willingness to return suddenly carries weight beyond statistics or scoring.
It offers familiarity.
OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.
Creamline star Alyssa Valdez is expected to rejoin Alas Pilipinas for the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Championship following a growing list of withdrawals from the national team pool, according to a source of Abante Sports Now.
READ: https://t.co/M8VV87Vo4c pic.twitter.com/uciD1aHXlo
— Fastbreak (@fastbreaknewsph) May 17, 2026
Few players understand the emotional demands of carrying the national team better than Valdez herself, who spent years serving as one of the pillars of Philippine volleyball during both rebuilding years and breakthrough moments. From SEA Games campaigns to regional tournaments, she became the constant face of Alas through changing rosters, coaches, and systems.
Now, with the current program once again facing instability, the possibility of her return feels less about nostalgia and more about leadership.
Liao, however, remained non-committal regarding the final composition of the roster as well as who will temporarily call the shots while Bundit recovers.
The federation chief hinted the interim coach could come from the existing staff composed of Creamline mentor Sherwin Meneses, Cignal coach Shaq delos Santos, La Salle assistant Benson Bocboc, and Adamson’s JP Yude.
With the AVC Women’s Cup drawing closer and uncertainty continuing to surround the program, the possible return of Valdez provides the national team something it badly needs right now:
stability from someone who has seen — and survived — almost everything in an Alas Pilipinas jersey.
Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!
Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!
Leave a Reply