The bubbly Risa Sato can be introspective, too.
Is the Creamline Cool Smashers family about to lose a key member?
The defending champions are currently on a high after winning the PVL All-Filipino Conference crown, and the title run appears to have turned at least one Cool Smasher introspective: the bubbly Risa Sato.
Sato, among the unsung heroes in Creamline’s title clincher a little over a week ago, took to Instagram to reflect on her volleyball journey—one that began when she made the bold choice to leave Japan and come to the Philippines.
“Was it seven, eight years ago when I came to the Philippines and started playing volleyball?” Sato asked in Japanese in a video she posted on Instagram (which IG automatically translated). “In the beginning, it was difficult to communicate with teammates, and honestly, I argued with my teammates, and all I could say was ‘yes, no, thank you.’ The environment was bad, and it wasn’t fun at all. I felt homesick and cried every day."
The 28-year-old Fil-Japanese persevered, and soon, that “bad environment” turned into something else entirely: an amazing experience.
“I wanted to play volleyball overseas, in the Philippines. Philippines is amazing. People are amazing. What can I say, so far it’s amazing,” Sato continued. “Now that I think of it, I’m awesome. I’ll give myself a compliment.”
It has been an amazing journey for Sato, indeed. Full of trials and challenges, but amazing nonetheless. She also added that there’s “still a little more to go.”
But then Sato also posted another Instagram story a picture of the entire Creamline family basking in their championship glory—and this time with a caption, again written in Japanese originally: “How much longer with this team?”
Between Sato’s heartfelt reflection and her seemingly rhetorical question, it is fair to wonder if the ever-energetic middle blocker is thinking about leaving Creamline—or the country even.
Whatever she decides to do, it is well deserved.