As the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) takes a brief hiatus for the Lenten season, the “Phenom” herself is looking at the break as more than just a holiday.
Creamline Cool Smashers star Alyssa Valdez has shared her hopes for the Holy Week pause, emphasizing the importance of physical recovery and mental recalibration. With the competition heating up and the race for the semifinals becoming more intense, the veteran outside hitter sees this window as a crucial opportunity to ensure her team stays at peak performance for the “clutch” phase of the conference.
For a professional athlete, a mid-season break is a rare luxury. Valdez, who has been a cornerstone of Philippine volleyball for over a decade, understands that the grind of back-to-back games can take a toll on the body.
“We really want to make the most of this break to recover,” Valdez noted. For the Cool Smashers, who are perennial championship contenders, staying healthy is half the battle. The break allows players to address nagging minor injuries, undergo intensive physical therapy, and simply give their muscles a rest from the high-impact nature of the sport.
Beyond the physical aspect, the Holy Week break offers a spiritual and mental reset. Valdez, known for her leadership on and off the court, highlighted that the time away from the taraflex allows the team to step back and look at the “bigger picture.”
In the high-pressure environment of the PVL, where every set counts, mental fatigue can be just as damaging as a physical injury. Taking a few days to reflect, spend time with family, and disconnect from the noise of the arena helps players return with a cleared mind and a renewed hunger for the title.
The break comes at a strategic time for Creamline. As the league prepares to resume, the competition is tighter than ever, with several teams showing they have what it takes to dethrone the defending champions.
Valdez’s message to her fans and teammates is clear: the goal remains the same. While they are enjoying the quiet of the Lenten season, the “Phenom” is already visualizing the roar of the crowd and the high-stakes rallies that await them. When the PVL returns, expect a recharged Alyssa Valdez ready to lead her team toward another deep playoff run.