Rookie again: Valdez set to make her debut as NCAA volleyball analyst

Alyssa Valdez at the VIP section closely watching an NCAA women’s volleyball game between Jose Rizal University and Lyceum on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2017, at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

There’s not a lot Alyssa Valdez can’t do when it comes to volleyball.

But she faces her biggest challenge yet on the on the sidelines when she makes her debut as NCAA volleyball analyst for ABS-CBN Sports next Tuesday.

A two-time UAAP champion and three-time MVP among her countless accolades, Valdez will be back to being a rookie again in front of live television.

“[I’m going to be an] analyst this coming semifinals on Tuesday,” Valdez told reporters with a shy smile. “It’s going to be my first time so I’m really trying to get the hang of it by watching and asking help from other people.”

Like a wide-eyed student, Valdez is eager to learn.

Exactly a week before she plays her role as color commentator, Valdez was a spectator, closely observing the action in the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament.

“Actually, I’m trying to familiarize myself on how to analyze the game more because before, although, I analyze the game but it’s my game and my opponents’ and not really the whole volleyball game,” Valdez said.

Valdez said she’s taking notes from ABS-CBN Sports’ veteran commentators and anchors like Anton Roxas and Mozzy Ravena, the volleyball legend and mother of her boyfriend Kiefer Ravena.

“Of course, Tita has been always there to guide me and I always listen to those who are covering the games because you get a different reaction when watching the game as a former player and when you’re an analyst so I still need guidance when it comes to that,” said Valdez, who just recently became one of the hosts of Upfront, a pre-game show before the start of UAAP women’s volleyball action.

“That’s why I go and watch the games to learn how to analyze games and know which part of the game I need to focus on when analyzing.”

She already considers preparing for her new gig harder than getting ready before a game.

Two years removed from playing in her final UAAP game for Ateneo, Valdez is also using her latest endeavor as a way to stay immersed in the game.

Though, she never imagined herself as a commentator.

“Never really thought of being one, but you know, you’re always open to all the challenges and after UAAP and after graduating, I want to make it a point not to be away from volleyball,” Valdez said.

“So as much as possible I don’t want to lose that connection that’s why I’m trying new things.”

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