Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
The Phenom is about to take Thailand by storm.
Valdez is set to take her talents to Thailand as club team 3BB Nakornonnt announced her addition to the roster.
“I thank 3BB Nakornnont for giving me the opportunity to join them next year. We are still threshing out details as of now, but I will be flying to Thailand on January 15 to begin preparing for a tournament starting January 29,” said Valdez in a statement.
This will be a breakthrough move for Philippine volleyball, with the 23-year-old blazing a trail as the first Filipino to suit up in an international competition.
READ: Valdez headed for showdown vs PH Team in Bangkok League
The former Ateneo star is expected to suit up for the rest of the team’s campaign in the second round of the Thailand League, as well as the Thai-Denmark Invitational League in April.
“I am very excited about this and hope that this open 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 Christmas season,” she said. “I’d like to request your prayers and support since this is a challenge I’ve never encountered before. I also like to thank my family, friends and fans for sticking with me through thick and thin. It’s always been a dream to play internationally and this is a very important step to making it happen.”
In a statement posted on its Facebook page, 3BB Nakornonnt expressed confidence with what the 23-year-old open spiker can bring to the team.
“Head coach Acting Sub. Lt. Thanakit Inleang (Coach M) believes in her attacking and defensive skills which will strengthen the team in Leg 2 of the league and the Thai-Denmark Super League,” the statement read.
It won’t be an unfamiliar place for Valdez, who will be reuniting with Som Kuthaisong and Nic Jaisaen, her teammates in the Bureau of Customs squad which finished as runners-up in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Reinforced Conference.