Alyssa no shoo-in to Phl volley team

MANILA, Philippines - Alyssa Valdez suiting up for the Philippine team to the 29th Southeast Asian Games in August is not cast in stone even if she joins the tryouts called by coaching staff and scheduled later this month.

“We don’t know,” said women’s team head coach Francis Vicente when asked if Valdez, the most popular volleyball player in the country, will make it to the team by just showing up at the tryouts.

The tryouts are set Jan. 29 to 31 at the Arellano Law University campus along Taft Avenue in Pasay City. It’s the first step for anyone wanting to make it to the national team.

Vicente said Valdez must join the tryouts or she will lose any chance to make it to the Philippine team to the Asian Women’s Senior Championship in Manila in July and then the SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur in August.

“She must join the tryout and show up at the gym. We want to be fair with everybody. If she wants to play for the national team, she must join the tryouts,” said Vicente during yesterday’s PSA Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

“It’s a tryout and there’s nobody gets any special treatment, even if it’s Alyssa who used to be my player. I respect her talent. But she must try out,” said the coach.

The country’s top players are expected to join the tryouts for the men’s and women’s teams, particularly the latter, which has a better chance of winning a medal in the SEA Games.

The likes of Jaja Santiago, Mika Reyes, Kim Fajardo, Denden Lazaro, Ara Galang, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Myla Pablo, Rachel Ann Daquis and Aby Marano are expected to join the tryouts.

The chance to represent the Philippines in international events like the SEA Games, and hopefully the Asian Games, may come once in a lifetime, according to LVPI president Jose Romasanta.

But there’s a process to be followed, and joining the tryouts is the first step.

“That’s why we decided on staging an open tryout. We did not want the tryouts to be by invitation. We want to see the players who want to play for the team. We are looking for the commitment,” said the LVPI head.

Also gracing the forum were LVPI vice president Peter Cayco and men’s team head coach Sammy Acaylar.

Standing in the way, however, is Valdez’ stint for 3BB Nakornnont in the Thai League where she will play as an import. Valdez left for Thailand last Sunday.

Romasanta said Valdez’ expressing her desire to be part of the national team is good news for everybody.

“The expression of intent itself is very commendable of Alyssa being a true athlete. We’re very hopeful that she can join the tryouts,” said Romasanta.

Cayco, tasked to run the LVPI programs this year, said he has instructed the coaches to do a “systematic” way of selecting the players for the men’s and women’s teams.

“The task of selecting the coaches is done and over with. Now the coaches have the free hand to choose their assistants and then the players,” said Cayco.

The LVPI vice president said Valdez has assured him that she will join the tryouts despite her schedule in Thailand.

“She said there’s a break in Thailand during those days and she will come home for the tryouts,” said Cayco.

Vicente stressed that Valdez is not a shoo-in to the national team.

“I have no doubt about Alyssa’s talent but she has to attend the tryouts. We want to see the commitment in the players. And we want to preserve the integrity of the volleyball community,” Vicente added.