Former Ateneo star Alyssa Valdez. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Now that Alyssa Valdez has finished her UAAP career, it’s high time for the three-time MVP to give back to the fans who have supported her in all her five years in the league.
Valdez, together with local volleyball organization Crosscourt PH, launched her namesake volleyball camp Wednesday at Frazzled Cook to look for young volleyball talents from provinces near Metro Manila.
“After [UAAP] volleyball life goes on, we can’t stop after UAAP,” Valdez said. “It was a really good season for everyone, unfortunately we lost and I have to focus now on helping the sport.”
“I really want to reach out to kids and all the volleyball supporters, this is the right time to say ‘thank you’ for the last five years of playing volleyball in the UAAP for Ateneo.”
The first leg of Valdez’ camp is from May 5-7 at STI Academic Center in Calamba, Laguna with former UST Golden Tigress Angeli Tabaquero present to assist the campers.
“Sharing our talents sa mga bagets because they watch us on television and in a way they look up to us,” Tabaquero said. “It’s also a way na maki socialize kami sa kanila.”
“Good thing may ganitong project, may chance na pumantay siya [volleyball] sa basketball. Isa ito sa fuel na mag go grow sa volleyball, iyon ang thoughts ko for this project.”
STI Academic Center Cubao will host the next leg from May 10-14, the phase which could draw a huge crowd given the location of the venue.
Their third leg will be held at Valdez’ home province of Batangas from May 16-18 at University of Batangas and the Atenean is hoping to bring her fellow Batangueñas Kim Fajardo of De La Salle and Ateneo teammate Jho Maraguinot.
College of St. Benilde’s John Vic De Guzman has also confirmed his attendance in Batangas.
“Once may mga naging idol din kami sa NCAA at UAAP at gusto rin namin ma share ang mga pinagdaanan namin sa kanila [kids] at makakilala rin ng volleyball aspirants para sumikat,” De Guzman said.
Last leg will be at STI Academic Center Ortigas-Cainta, Rizal with Valdez teasing that there would be “a surprise from” May 19-21.
Valdez said there would be 300 participants in each camp so they could focus on training them.
“We’re trying to limit each class, para matutukan ang mga bata,” Valdez said.
University of the East’s Shaya Adorador said it’s heartwarming for her to teach kids the sport of volleyball since it could become their avenue to get to higher education.
“Gusto namin maramdaman nila mga naramdaman namin noon,” Adorador said. “May mga natuturuan naman ako sa isang maliit na clinic at nakakataba ng puso na natutulungan mo sila. Malilibre pa sila sa pag-aaral.”
Valdez’ camp will be available for 6 to 12 years old, 14 to 18 years old, and an open bracket for players older than 18.
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