Team USA's Micah Christenson reunited with Creamline’s Alyssa Valdez after the Americans scored a winning start to the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship.
Two volleyball icons shared a warm moment off the court Saturday in the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Team USA captain Micah Christenson and Creamline Cool Smashers star Alyssa Valdez crossed paths at the sidelines following the latter's sweeping victory over Colombia to open Pool D action.
“She’s been super kind, saying, ‘If there’s anything you guys need, we’re here to help,’" Chistenson said of the meeting with Valdez.
"That’s really an embodiment of Filipino culture — being so kind and generous,” he added.
The two first crossed paths at the 2024 Volleyball Nations League in Manila, where Team USA played four games to end the preliminary round.
This time, Valdez was present as the tournament ambassador for the country’s historic hosting of the World Championship.
Back in the Philippines for the second year in a row, Christenson savored the chance to once again play before the Filipino crowd and expressed his gratitude for their unwavering support.
"It's always so special to us," he said.
"We don't expect any like extra support but it's just been so much support in the best way possible. So we, as a team, love coming here and feeling all the love coming from the Filipino fans," Christenson added.
Christenson, back in international play after a yearlong break following Paris 2024, steered the United States with 23 excellent sets in their opening victory.
[ALSO READ: Team USA zoom past Colombia for triumphant start in 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship]
(With reports from Jamie Velasco, LJ Abadianas/ One Sports)
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.