Perhaps nobody personifies Ateneo's "One Big Fight" mantra better than Alyssa Valdez.
Alexa, play “Memories” by Maroon 5.
Creamline Cool Smashers superstar Alyssa Valdez, in collaboration with Secret Fresh and DJ Bigboy Cheng, launched a limited edition “Alyssa Valdez: The Collegiate Legacy Collection,” a set of memorabilia containing personalized signed items from the volleyball legend’s early years with then Ateneo Lady Eagles in the UAAP.
Valdez turned emotional as she unboxed the special collection that contained four signed cards - one each from the Phenom’s rookie, sophomore, junior and senior seasons with Ateneo.
“Hindi ko inakalang aabot dito ang mga natutunan ko. Lakas ng loob at tiwala sa sarili ang tanging dala ko,” the multi-time PVL champion wrote on her social media post.
“The support from Ateneo helped push my confidence and this played an important role in my volleyball career.”
One of the most recognized faces in Philippine sports today, the pride of San Juan, Batangas possess one of the most decorated collegiate volleyball careers, winning two UAAP titles, three Season MVP awards, and one Finals MVP trophy.
She was also hailed as the UAAP’s Best Scorer four times and Best Server thrice during her time in Ateneo.
Success followed Valdez to the club volleyball circuit, collecting eight titles with Creamline, on top three Conference MVP awards in the PVL.
The limited edition collection also presented an autographed piece from Valdez’s game-worn jersey and a piece of the Phenom’s in-game sneakers way back in UAAP Season 77.
“‘Yung jersey ko dito nung Season 77 and that year nag sweep kami. So very memorable talaga yung jersey na ‘to sa akin,” Valdez recalled.
In Season 77, Alyssa and the Lady Eagles won a second-straight UAAP title, beating rival De La Salle Lady Spikers in the Finals to complete a 16-0 season sweep.
"It’s been a while since I played in Ateneo. It’s just so nice to relive every moment and memory I’ve had during the UAAP seasons.”
“Every time na makikita ko ‘tong collection na ‘to, it remind me ‘kung gaano kasaya and full of ups and downs ‘yung UAAP career ko,” Valdez ended.