MANILA – Volleyball phenom Alyssa Valdez is looking forward to the new Premier Volleyball League season, following a lot of offseason changes.
Unlike other teams, the Creamline Cool Smashers did not have major revamps ahead of the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
The team parted ways with veteran setter Rhea Dimaculangan-Villarete, Mafe Galanza, Michelle Morente, Pau Soriano, and Rizza Mandapat.
Valdez says the team saw changes off the court that will help them in the long run.
READ: Wild offseason continues in PVL
"So I guess transitions may not be a grand in our team. But there are a lot of things that has been happening also in our team. Even if we're constant, intact all the time, we're the same core group, meron paring mga transitions na nangyayari," she told media on the sidelines of the recording of her podcast in Makati City on Saturday.
"I'm very, very glad, very happy sa growth, maturity, and leadership na nag-eevolve sa team namin, most especially. Not just sa amin na medyo seniors narin but pati sa younger teammates namin," Valdez added.
Aside from Valdez, the Cool Smashers squad still has Alas Pilipinas team captain Jia de Guzman, Jema Galanza, Michele Gumabao, Kyle Negrito, Tots Carlos, Lorie Bernardo, Bea de Leon, and Pangs Panaga.
Creamline's marquee signing during the offseason is former Chery Tiggo Crossovers libero and Alas Pilipinas standout Jennifer Nierva.
READ: Creamline boosts defense with signing of libero Jennifer Nierva
The entry of Nierva adds depth to their already stacked defense with Denden Lazaro-Revilla, Ella De Jesus, Kyla Atienza, and Aleiah Torres.
The Creamline veteran said the team seeks redemption after losing all of its crowns last season.
Creamline finished second in the 2024-2025 All-Filipino Conference, third in the PVL On Tour and Invitational Conferences, and sixth in the Reinforced Conference.
Ahead of the new PVL season, Valdez is optimistic of the Cool Smashers' chances this new year.
"I'm very excited for what's next for our team. And really, really looking forward sa mas magandang season para sa Cool Smashers," she said.
The 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference is expected to kick off this month.